Teachers from 26 School Districts will collectively gather to learn from industry experts how to infuse every day examples of math, science and technology into New York State approved curriculums on July 14-15, 2014.
SEMI® is the global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the micro- and nano-electronics industries, including: Semiconductors, Photovoltaics (PV), High-Brightness LED, Flat Panel Display (FPD), Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), Printed and flexible electronics and technology related micro- and nano-electronics. Through the SEMI Foundation, SEMI High Tech U (HTU) was developed to support education and career awareness in the fields of high technology.
The SEMI High Tech U Teacher Edition program offers an in-depth, interactive course taught by industry professionals to train local elementary, middle and high-school educators in the most effective way to introduce to their classrooms the rapidly expanding career fields of science, technology, engineering and math. The program connects local educators with training in practical applications of course material and presents both new concepts in career exploration and simplifies the connection between academics and the workplace. This is the third year Semi High Tech U Teacher Edition has been offered in the Mohawk Valley. Over the past two years about 100 teachers have graduated the program.
The curriculum also includes a tour of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany, NY and will conclude with day two instruction at SUNYIT. These intensive visits will look closely at the nano and PV industries; their research and development tools, workforce and education needs and the economic impact of these industries on our region.
Steven J. DiMeo, President of the Mohawk Valley EDGE said, “Leading the Mohawk Valley into the 21st Century economy requires a skilled workforce. Industries we are growing in our region include nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing and information technology and assurance. Today, more than ever, we need teachers integrating STEM into their classrooms. SEMI High Tech U Teacher Edition is a great tool to prepare our educators and shine a spotlight on science, technology, engineering and math.”
Peggy O’Shea, President and CEO, The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. said, “We have supported SEMI High Tech U every year because we understand the importance of teachers sharing future workforce opportunities with our local students. This program aligns with our 25/25 Goal – to increase the percentage of adults in Herkimer and Oneida counties who have bachelor’s degrees to 25 percent by 2025 – selected through a data to decision process based on information provided by the Community Indicator’s site (hocindicators.org). SEMI can positively impact our top priority areas of economic development and education, both of which are necessary for future regional sustainability.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “Teachers talk with new enthusiasm and new energy when participating in this project. Teachers who take part in this project bring that energy and enthusiasm back to their students. This program is growing and continues to build on the exciting things happening with new technologies in our county. We are strengthening the bridges between Nano Utica, Quad C and the new SUNY IT/CNSE merged institutions as well as the other High Tech opportunities at our doorsteps. I want to salute and thank the partners who are contributing resources and joining Oneida County in investing the future of our economy, and that of our children.”
“We are proud to support the Mohawk Valley’s 2014 Semi High Tech U program,” said Melanie Littlejohn, regional executive of National Grid’s Central New York division. “At National Grid we celebrate STEM education and look for meaningful opportunities to support technologies developed out of classrooms and labs across Central New York. We look forward to working with the Mohawk Valley EDGE and community partners to bring to life technologies that grow locally from our own backyard.”
BOCES Superintendent Howard Mettelman said, “Our region has many outstanding teachers who want to give their students the edge in the highly competitive fields of science, math and technology. This conference is an opportunity for teachers to collaborate with experts so that important industry concepts can be integrated into their classrooms while still fulfilling curriculum requirements.”
Alice Savino of the Workforce Investment Board of of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties said, “We are pleased to be part of this important training for teachers. The education system in the Mohawk Valley has always been responsive to the needs of employers and this program is another example of the high level of commitment by community partners to prepare the workforce of the future.”
Semi High Tech U is sponsored by: Oneida County, Mohawk Valley EDGE, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, National Grid, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, and the Workforce Investment Board of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties.
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