Business/Educational Partnerships

1. Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science & Technology, Inc.  Contact, Richard C. Cole, President & CEO rcole@ctacad.org 860-346-1177.  The General Electric Foundation and Northeast Utilities System are advancing CONNverge: a statewide initiative to improve student learning in mathematics and science (MS).  The initiative is being facilitated by the CT Academy for Education.  CONNverge is the result of research, which confirms that students' personal effort, motivation and involvement in their academic studies are key elements in their learning outcomes.  However, little success has been achieved to influence the culture of student interest and effort to learn MS over an extended period.  Equally limited accomplishmant has been made in building the capacity of parents and local communities to persuasively advocate for their youth to commit to learning MS in preparation for future opportunities.  CONNverge's goals include:
   Goal One - To balance Connecticut's multiple reform efforts to improve performance in MS by establishing a culture where all students, especially historically underachieving populations, understand WHY they must learn mathematics and science and accept learning as a personal responsibility.
   Goal Two - To leverage students' personal responsibility by fostering stronger family support for children to succeed in engaging and challenging MS courses and by heightening teacher and community expectations that all children can and must learn more to secure their future in the modern world.
2. Connecticut Business and Industry Association Contact, Lauren Kaufman, Vice President and Executive Director CBIA Education Foundation by email kaufmanl@cbia.com  or call 860-244-1938.
   
   

   2.1  Connecticut State Scholars Initiative: a collaborative partnership among the following: Office of the Governor; the state Departments of Education and High Education; the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce; The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce; The United Illuminating Company; GE Commercial Finance; Dow Chemical Company; The Bilco Company; and the Housatonic Valley Economic Development Partnership. The initiative focuses on the need for more students to graduate with a solid academic foundation by encouraging and motivating all high school students to complete a defined, rigorous academic course of study that prepares the m for successful transition to college or university coursework or vocational and technical training necessary to enter today's competitive job market. The Connecticut State Scholars pilot program has been launched in the communities of Danbury and New Haven and at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown and still continuing in New Haven in 2009/10. Contact Dayl Walker at 860-244-1935 or email her at walkerd@cbia.com
   
   2.2  YES: Youth Employability Skills: A program of Capitol Workforce Partners which contracts with CBIA to run aspects of the program around careers and employability skills. The YES (Youth Employability Skills) Academy is an intensive weeklong program of workshops that prepares high-school juniors and seniors for some of the unwritten demands of the workplace: team spirit, effective interpersonal and interviewing skills, leadership, good decision-making, and a neat, clean appearance. Students meet with human resources specialists and business mentors to practice resume-writing, interviewing, consensus-building strategies, conflict resolution, and o the r competencies that can help the m succeed in the workplace. YES training, which takes place during spring break, has attracted more than 120 young people eager to learn from Connecticut 's working professionals. Students have hailed from Weaver, Bulkeley, East Hartford, and Hartford public high schools as well as Hartford 's Academy of Sports and Medical Sciences.
   Contact Dayl Walker at walkerd@cbia.com
   
   2.3  Pipeline from the Technical High Schools to the College of Technology : The $884,000 grant was funded through the Advanced Technological Education program of the National Science Foundation and is in it's last year. The project focuses on recruiting and retaining students in manufacturing, as well as helping the m obtain the appropriate level of academic skills and employability skills the y will need to succeed in post-secondary education or employment after high school. The grant will also focus on giving educators work-based learning experiences to keep the m current with industry practices. The program will offer school-to-career opportunities, such as student and teacher internships, job shadowing, company visits, math labs, employability skills workshops, teacher professional development workshops and apprenticeship programs. The first year of the program will concentrated on four technical high schools: Howell Cheney in Manchester , A.I. Prince in Hartford , Eli Whitney in Hamden and Platt in Milford . The grant will complement the work being done through the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (RCNGM), a National Science Foundation Center grant administered through the Connecticut Community College 's College of Technology . For more information contact Nancy Andrews at 860-244-1957 or andrewsn@cbia.com
   
   2.4  Project Opening Doors: Connecticut 's National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). Ann ounced September 6, 2007, $13.2 million over six years. CT is one of only seven states selected from 28 applicants to receive NMSI's first grants. Partners in this project are: the CT Business and Industry Association, CT State Department of Education, CT State Department of Higher Education, and CT Academy for Education in Ma the matics, Science & Technology, along with the CT Science Center." The grant will help fund training and incentive programs for Advanced Placement (AP) and pre-AP courses and exams for the next six years. A major goal is to prepare students to excel in math, science and English and encourage the m to explore science- and technology-based careers. Contacts: Dr. Jean Purcell, Jeanne.Purcell@ct.gov , CT State Department of Education; or Lauren Weisberg-Kaufman , kaufmanl@cbia.com , CT Business and Industry Association.

3. Connecticut Building a Presence for Science Network : an electronic network of science educators in all schools, colleges and informal science centers to support implementation of standards-based science programs throughout the state. As of December 2009, there are 1,523 Points of Contact representing approximately 99% of the State's 1,652 public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and informal science centers. 100% of Connecticut 's 166 public school districts are represented. The Connecticut Building a Presence for Science Network is facilitated by the CT Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science & Technology, Inc. and sustained through a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb. For more information, contact Statewide Facilitator, David Lopath lopath@comcast.net or Newsletter Moderator, Eloise Farmer eloisefarmer@charter.net or call 860-346-1177.
    
4. Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT): CCAT's education efforts focus on the development and enrichment of interdisciplinary, collaborative, educational opportunities that stimulate innovation and enterprise.  CCAT's Education Initiative develops and implements project-based K-12 STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Manufacturing) programming that engages students, enhances technical competence and promotes training of the emergent 21^st century workforce.  Contact: Susan Palisano, Director of Education Initiative  spalisano@ccat.us or call 860-282-4224.
   
   

   4.1  CATALYST:Explorations in Sustainable Energy and the Environment,  an after-school enrichment program, engages students from diverse urban and suburban schools in an inquiry-based science and engineering design activities to investigate sustainable energy and global climate change.  CATALYST Energy is a partnership with the Capital Region Education Council, funded through a State Department of Education Interdistrict Cooperative Grant.
   
   4.2  The Young Manufacturers Summer Academy (YMSA), an experiential summer program, introduces students in grades 7-9 to CT's high-tech advanced manufacturing industries through hands-on activities, simulation-based learning, travel to industry locations and a mock career fair. YMSA is a partnership with the CT Technical High School System, funded through a State Department of Education Interdistrict Cooperative Grant.
    
   4.3  The Quest To Fly is a STEM after-school enrichment program developed in cooperation with the State Department of Education that engages students and industry mentors in hands-on inquiry based activities in aviation, aerodynamics and space exploration.

   4.4  CATALYST:  Explorations in Aerospace and Innovation is a NASA-funded model STEM education program.  The program's in-school curriculum and out-of-school-time program are both designed to teach essential STEM concepts and skills in the context of aerospace.  The program targets traditionally under-represented students in the Greater Hartford area, establishing mentorships and promoting awareness of STEM career opportunities.

   4.5  The NASA-PLAN Teachers Academy introduces high school teachers to the latest developments in Photonics and Lasers, Aerospace, and Nanotechnology.  Content instruction and hands-on activities are delivered by industry experts and university faculty.  The PLAN Academy is a partnership with the CT NASA Space Grant Consortium.

   4.6  Glimpse of the Past, Path to the Future increases grade 4-6 teacher content knowledge of optics, telescopes, aerodynamics and rocketry while teaching best practices in 21^st century skill development, inquiry-based learning and student assessment.  The program is a partnership with The Children's Museum and the University of Hartford, funded through a Department of Higher Education Teacher Quality Partnership grant.

5. Connecticut Science Center (CSC) : The CSC represents a new symbol of innovation, learning and vitality that will inspire the next generation of researchers, discoverers, inventors, healers, teachers, and better informed citizens. The Center's Mission is to create an engaging and sustainable science center that serves families and schools and has a significant impact on student and adult learning in Connecticut . The Center will be a hub of activity for kids and families. A wide variety of programs will be offered for both children and adults. Education Initiatives Contact, Hank Gruner , Vice President, Programs
   hgruner@ctsciencecenter.org 860-727-0457 x 118.
   
   

   5.1  The AT&T Learning Connection is a new resource to help improve science education in Connecticut .  For teachers, this means a place to locate resources which directly support the state Science Framework, and, once we open, to help plan activities around your class trip to the Center.  For students, it will be a place to share information with students across the state; to conduct experiments and compare your results to others.  And for parents, it will be an opportunity to become involved in your child's education, by finding activities that you can do together, and learning what science concepts and processes your child will be expected to understand, whatever grade he or she may be in.
   
   5.2  The GE Foundation Institute for Inquiry. A week-long professional development workshop in inquiry-based learning and teaching that helps educators practice teaching techniques, and prepares the m to incorporate the se strategies into the ir lesson plans and school curricula for the coming year. Participants are asked to apply and based upon interviews and the written application, teachers and administrators will be invited to attend an Institute. Educators seeking additional information about future Institutes are invited to contact Holly Harrick at 860-727-0457 x111 or email hharrick@ctsciencecenter.org

6. Connecticut Digital Library (iCONN) provides online access to journals, magazines, newspapers, and eBooks/encyclopedias to all Connecticut residents for free. Try iCONN at www.iconn.org . Access it directly from any library or school in Connecticut , or use it from home with your CT public library card number to login. A title list of the publications accessible in CONN can be found at http://www.iconn.org/TitleLists.aspx . iCONN is administered by the Connecticut State Library. 888-256-1222 (in CT), William Sullivan, Administrator:  wsullivan@cslib.org.
    
7. Connecticut Girls and Technology Network is a statewide volunteer collaborative of educators, policy and business people who share a common concern for the continued and improved inclusion of girls in tech-related learning, activities, and workforce development. The Network engages middle-school girls in hands-on experiences that expose them to the variety of educational and vocational options involving technology. In partnership with Connecticut colleges and universities, the Network facilitates a number of Girls & Tech Expos that bring girls from across the state together to participate in a day of tech exploration and incorporates G²O: Generating Girls Opportunities which is designed to engage girls, parents and teachers in girls' educational STEM opportunities. The Network is administered by Lucy Brakoniecki at the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund lbrakoniecki@cwealf.org 860-247-6090 .
    
8. Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) is dedicated to providing programs that encourage young students to pursue careers in the fields of ma the matics, science, engineering and technology. CPEP has grown in size as well as mission during its thirteen years of operation. CPEP programs reach 9,200 students and more than 70 teachers annually . CPEP targets under represented minority and women students at the upper elementary, middle and high school levels in Connecticut's larger urban school districts through hands-on programs in its after school, Saturday, Summer Enrichment, mentor and in school programs for students. Contact, Bruce Dixon - Email: dixonb@cpep.org  (860) 638-1220.
    
9. CONNvene : Governor M. Jodi Rell led a statewide initiative to identify critical issues related to advancing STEM education in Connecticut . More than 100 CT citizens worked eight months to establish a coordinated and comprehensive statewide "Implementation Schema"—a map, not a blueprint ” to measurably improve student interest and achievement in STEM in Priority School Districts while seeking to address ways to increase the achievement of all students to better meet Connecticut's 21st Century economic development, quality of life, and workforce preparation needs. CT Academy for Education Contact, Richard Cole rcole@ctacad.org  or call 860-346-1177.
    
10. CURE is the educational and business support network organization for bioscience in Connecticut , with over 100 members. Its mission is to build networks and critical mass for the industry within the state, to keep Connecticut competitive in bioscience, and to tell the Connecticut bioscience story. Contact: Sarah Berke at sberke@curenet.org  for more information.
    

    10.1  BioBus Program is a 40-foot, custom-designed mobile laboratory delivering bioscience to students in the ir schools. Outfitted with the latest in bioscience equipment, computers and supplies, the BioBus presents hands-on experiences in the life sciences above and beyond the normal classroom curriculum. The BioBus accommodates two instructors and up to 24 students or visitors per teaching session. S ince June of 2001, the BioBus has accommodated m ore than 189 schools, more than 19,500 students have participated in hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory sessions, more than 12,000 individuals have boarded Connecticut 's BioBus at community-related events, and more than 400 teachers have participated in BioBus professional development workshops, gaining important knowledge on how to bring bioscience into the classroom. Contact: Sarah Shoesmith Berke, Ph.D., Director of BioBus Educational Programs, Phone: (203) 777-8747 ext 212, e-mail: sberke@curenet.org , to schedule a visit, go to http://www.ctbiobus.org/request/session_request.htm .

11. General Electric : EDGE Lab/UConn at Stamford , Contact: Chris Kalish, Director  http://itl.uconn.edu/VT/Stamford/technology/edgelab/index.htm or 203-961-2542.
     
12. NASA Educator Resource Center . Located at Eastern Connecticut State University on the first floor of the new Library, the Center's mission is to provide educators with free and low-cost curriculum materials.  Many resources are available, including lithographs, a limited number of posters, educational briefs, educator guides, and videos. All materials are free and may be taken out of the center. The center is open by appointment and several times each week.  To view resources on-line, go to www.easternct.edu/depts/nasa/available_resources.htm . Contact Dr. Janelle Bland Day , Eastern Connecticut State University, Webb Hall, Room 144, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic CT  06226 Email:   BlandJ@easternct.edu  860-465-4532.
     
13. Office for Workforce Competitiveness: Contact Mary Ann Hanley, mary.ann.hanlet@po.state.ct.us 860-258-4904
    
    

    13.1 Center for 21 st Century Skills : Connecticut Innovation Academy (formerly Information Technology Leadership Academy (ITLA): CT State Department of Education funded Interdistrict Cooperative Grant of $163,589.00. The Center for 21st Century is a collaboration with Education Connection, Connecticut Career Choices, the Connecticut College of Technology (COT), the five urban priority districts: Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury and nine suburban districts: Be the l, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Plymouth, Thomaston, Region #1 and Region #15. The IT R&D curriculum is designed to develop students' academic skills, transferable skills and knowledge of technology careers through the completion of an IT Research and Design (R&D) project. The Program developed and managed by Education Connection. Contact: Michael Mino, mino@educationconnection.org 860-567-0863
    
    13.2  Connecticut Career Choices is a workforce development initiative focused on the implementation of curriculum aligned with both industry and state standards that can be adapted to any high school within Connecticut . In addition to curriculum development, experiential learning programs are being set up through Battelle's Technology Practice. Industry interactions include: classroom visits/speakers, company visits/tours, job shadowing experiences for students, teacher externships, and a Tech Expo.  For more information, www.ctcareerchoices.org or contact Michael Mino at mino@educationconnection.org or call 860-567-0863 x155.
    
    13.3  Connecticut Innovation Challenge engages Connecticut high school students and teachers in a comprehensive Information Technology Research and Design project and challenges the m to use technology to think creatively and work collaboratively. All CIC participating students and teachers will have access to a password protected online learning environment available via the Connecticut Education Network. To REGISTER go to http://www.ctcareerchoices.org/challenge . For more information, contact: Michael Mino, mino@educationconnection.org 860-567-0863
    
    13.4  University of Hartford . Through the Office of Workforce Competitiveness (OWC), Connecticut makes an annual $50,000 grant in a NASA-sponsored partnership that is focused on increasing public awareness of aerospace education, developing curricula, providing scholarships, and expanding research opportunities in NASA-related fields. Contact Chittaranjan Sahay, sahay@hartford.edu

14. Project Lead the Way, has developed a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory ma the matics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.  CT colleges and schools that are involved can be identified at http://www.pltw.org/schoollist.asp?toSelect=CT
     
15. Science Alliance of Fairfield County : a joint initiative of science-based cultural institutions facilitated by The Business Council of Fairfield County.  Alliance members include: The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Connecticut Audubon Society, Connecticut 's Beardsley Zoo, Discovery Museum and Planetarium, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk , Stamford Museum and Nature Center , Stepping Stones Museum for Children, and SoundWaters. The Business Council of Fairfield County, Contact: Chris Bruhl, cbruhl@businessfairfield.com or call 203-359-3220.
     
16. Starbase CT : The mission of Starbase is to raise the interest in and improve the knowledge and skills of youth in math, science and technology. Starbase CT offers a positive, proven approach to engendering excitement and interest towards math, science and technology skills. The Starbase program began with one site in 1992 in Michigan and has now grown to 54 academies; two of which are in Connecticut ( Hartford and Waterbury ). Starbase works mostly with 5 th grade students and incorporates the state science standards into the programs taught. Real-world applications of the STEM fields are made accessible to students through computer programs, hands-on activities, such as building and launching rockets, and understanding current space explorations. Teamwork, goal-setting and the importance of staying off drugs are o the r topics which are reinforced. Starbase is funded by the Department of Defense. Director: Melissa Vanek (860) 728-0090 or email melissa.vanek@yahoo.com

CT Academy for Education | CT STEM-Related Educational Asset Directory