The Blackstone Valley

WORK AND LEARNING FOR ADULTS

Work and Learning for Schools and Kids

The S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) conference and the planning that leads up to it is intended to interest young people, their teachers, and their families in knowing more about S.T.E.M. fields. The United States currently lags behind most nations in producing people who choose to work in STEM careers and this effort can help to assure students are ready and enthusiastic about pursuing a future in STEM.

The 3rd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) conference will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 8:30am to 3:30pm at the Tufts/Cummings Veterinary School in Grafton, MA. This conference and the planning that leads up to it is intended to help interest young people, their teachers, and their families to better understand the opportunities available in S.T.E.M. fields. The United States currently lags behind most nations in producing people who choose to work in S.T.E.M. careers and this effort can help to assure students are ready and enthusiastic about joining these high demand careers.

As an exciting partner in this effort, Tufts/Cummings is helping the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation to continue the 3rd annual program called Blackstone Valley S.T.E.M. Kids - Branching Out, for middle/jr. high school students that will pique their interest in S.T.E.M. careers and inform them about academic and preparation pathways to good jobs in these fields. Students will again have an opportunity to experience a class in veterinary science, advanced manufacturing, library science, information technology, health sciences, and much more.

Each Foundation member school district is preparing their students for participation in this year's project. Up to 12 students will represent each contributing school at the conference, with 100 students estimated to participate. Many more students will learn about S.T.E.M. and the opportunities it opens from those who attend the conference, as experiences are shared.

If you are interested in learning more about this program or if you would like to help aid kids and schools to be better prepared in S.T.E.M. fields, contact Susan Gately at 508-234-9090 or at sgately@blackstonevalley.org.

Funding for this program is provided through the generous partnership with Tufts/Cummings Veterinary School, Milford Regional Hospital, Goretti's Market, Southwick's Zoo and local school districts. Other supporters include: Lampin Corporation, Allcare Medical, Proforma, and New England Office Supply.

Sponsor Opportunity: If you or your company would like to sponsor a part of the S.T.E.M. program, opportunities are still available for this upcoming Fall 2010 and next Spring 2011. We are seeking contributions for supplies, luncheon, souvenirs, bus transportation, and honoraria for speakers. Your name would appear in all publications and news items about this event as well as on the t-shirts and portfolios the kids use during the conference and at their schools. Contact Susan Gately at 508-234-9090 or at sgately@blackstonevalley.org for further information.

Leadership Blackstone Valley

Leadership Blackstone Valley is an important initiative that is currently on hiatus, refining its reach, resources, and implementations. For more than 5 years Leadership Blackstone Valley cultivated talented individuals who continue to thrive in and enhance this special place in Central Massachusetts.

For more info, click here.

Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy

BVYLA is a unique leadership program for students in the 9th and 10th grade in high schools across the Blackstone Valley in Massachusetts. The Academy seeks to enhance the leadership skills of these young people and strengthen their connection to the Blackstone Valley. Read our brochure for more info.

Workforce Development

Work and Learning for Adults

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Education Foundation sponsored with Worcester State College and Quinsigamond Community College to provide programs in Entrepreneurship and other business skill development. Watch the calendar for news about courses and their schedules.

Another opportunity for skill development is with the monthly Women's Business Network meetings, held on the last Thursday of each month at Unibank's Community Room. Topics include unusual business models, sales and marketing techniques, social networking for business and more. Registration is available on line at www.blackstonevalley.org/events.