Utica Observer-Dispatch: GUEST VIEW: Investing in work force by
building
on dreams
Published:
Monday, August 11, 2014 - 11:24
Utica Observer-Dispatch
The economic transformation of our region begins with the transformation of the dreams of our children.
This summer, the Workforce Investment Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties (WIB) is taking steps to transform those dreams by taking high school students whose dreams buffeted by clouds of negativity day in and day out and showing them a future that can be theirs.
Using funding provided by the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC) to help low-income areas, the WIB is busing more than 500 students from our region to tour the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany. Students also receive career and college guidance that can help them understand the vast potential Nano Utica is bringing to their lives.
The WIB believes that for Nano Utica to achieve the full impact sought by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and our other state leaders who have worked so hard to create this opportunity, our youth need to envision themselves holding one of the 1,000-plus jobs being created. That begins by opening the eyes of our students to the exciting world of nanotechnology.
The bus trips to CNSE, where students see hands-on activities and learn about the many pathways offered in STEM, make these careers and the education needed to enter them real. Throughout this month, the WIB will be sending tour groups to CNSE. There are still some dates with a few openings. Please e-mail info@working-solutions.org if you are interested or know a young person who is interested.
