 |
|
 |
District students participate in announcement of groundbreaking
partnership to encourage girls to pursue careers in nanotechnology
 ALBANY,
N.Y. (June 1, 2012) -- Ten City School District of Albany middle-school
students participated May 31 in the announcement of a first-of-its-kind
innitiative to encourage young women to pursue a growing number of
educational and career opportunities in the field of nanotechnology.
The University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
partnered with Girls Inc. and SEFCU to officially launch the nation's
first Girls Inc. Eureka! program to focus on nanotechnology, a rapidly
growing new technology for which the Capital Region quickly is becoming
recognized as a world leader. Students from North Albany Academy, Stephen and Harriet Myers
Middle School and William S. Hackett Middle School participated in the
announcement, with Myers seventh-grader Maiya Dargan joining the lineup
of distinguished speakers (pictured at right).
“The launch of this innovative program is
providing new opportunities to create the highly skilled workforce that
is fundamental for the state’s emerging nanotechnology industry," said
Lonnie Threatte, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's assistant secretary for higher
education. "The governor congratulates the College of Nanoscale Science
and Engineering, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region and SEFCU on
an important partnership that provides both access and opportunity for
young women. We hope the participants follow cutting-edge educational
and occupational paths in the technology driven society of today.”
Joining Dargan and Threatte on the dais were SUNY Chancellor Nancy
L. Zimpher, NanoCollege Senior Vice President and CEO Alain E.
Kaloyeros, Ph.D., SEFCU President and CEO Michael J. Castellana and
Girls Inc. of the Capital Region Chair Mary Bayly Skevington.
“It is fitting that this innovative program take place in New York and
at SUNY, where the UAlbany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
has pioneered countless advances in nanotechnology," Zimpher said.
"Governor Cuomo and the entire SUNY system are keenly focused on
partnering with school districts, local businesses and community groups
to expand educational opportunities for students of all ages. Hundreds
of young women in the Capital District will benefit from the Eureka!
program, and we are proud to engage them in this exciting joint venture.
I commend my colleagues at CNSE for getting this program off the ground
and thank SEFCU for their generous support.”
SEFCU contributed
$340,000 to support the initiative.
“In building on the vision
and leadership of the education governor, Governor Andrew Cuomo, in
developing a world-class diverse workforce to support New York’s growing
global hub in nanotechnology, the UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to
embark on this exciting partnership with Girls Inc., enabled by the
generous support of our forward-thinking partners at SEFCU," Dr.
Kaloyeros said. "This collaboration breaks new ground in offering unique
opportunities to encourage young women to pursue high-tech education and
careers and further showcasing New York as Exhibit A of the 21st century
innovation economy.”
You can read more about the announcement in the June 1 Times Union.
The mission of the City School District of
Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be
responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to
successfully compete in the global community by providing an
academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents,
students and the community. The district serves about 8,700
students in 15
elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood
schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as
well as other innovative academic opportunities for students,
including four themed academies at Albany High
School.
|
|
