The study of science, technology, engineering and math is getting a major boost in our region thanks to the generosity of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.The company has awarded Broome-Tioga BOCES’ School-to-Careers Partnership with $150,000 to establish the Stem Hub of the Eastern Southern Tier, which will promote STEM education throughout the area by creating partnerships among industry, educators, policymakers and families committed to working together in the development of programs that educate and inspire tomorrow’s scientists, engineers and mathematicians.
The $150,000 will be used as seed money to launch the STEM Hub and encourage other like-minded companies and organizations to support and participate in the effort.
“We need a local technical work force,” said Ron Crawford, senior manager for technical leadership development at Lockheed Martin in Owego. “If we don’t have kids in the pipeline who are learning science, technology, engineering and math, it would be very difficult to fill the positions we’ll have at Lockheed in the future.”
Advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is a critical focus for this region. We know firsthand the importance of educating our young people in these areas. Our future success as a community and nation depends on there being a reliable pool of highly trained and technically capable talent.
Broome-Tioga BOCES’ School-to-Careers Partnership will serve as the conduit for funding this initiative, employing the experience of BOCES’ regional partners and 15 component school districts as well as at Binghamton University and SUNY Broome Community College.
Pictured: District Superintendent Allen D. Buyck accepts the ceremonial check from Ron Crawford, senior manager for technical leadership development at Lockheed Martin in Owego.