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  • April 21, 2016
  • Lisa Eikenburg

A partnership between AT&T and Fredonia will provide extra-curricular instruction in computer science and an introduction to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines to Chautauqua County high school students this fall.

Goals of the program are to encourage students to continue their education beyond high school and acquire technical skills, while also learning about educational opportunities offered at Fredonia. Enrollment is limited to 25 students. Details on the program and information on how to register will be available soon.

Coordinated by Fredonia’s Division of Engagement and Economic Development (EED), the STEM Exploration Program at Fredonia will provide training using educational content from Code.org and Coursera. Early classes will be devoted to practical problems, while increasingly complex concepts will be introduced in later sessions.

“I am very pleased that AT&T has recognized the need to provide science related educational opportunities for local high school students. Early exposure to the sciences can be a life changing experience for individuals who may not have considered higher education and a future in the STEM fields,” said Vice President for Engagement and Economic Development Kevin Kearns.

Students will be introduced to the elements of web development to help them create their own websites, and they will also collaborate on group projects. Final projects will be presented at an expo for family members, classmates and community members.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with the State University of New York at Fredonia to support this innovative classroom experience for regional high school students as it further enhances our commitment to providing resources for STEM-related educational programming in Western New York and throughout the state,” said Kevin Hanna, director of External Affairs, AT&T.

“Our economy continues to transform at a robust pace – requiring a workforce with a focus on technological education and literacy – and STEM programs like this one are vital to ensure that the students of today are prepared for the global economy of tomorrow,” Mr. Hanna explained.

Fredonia President Virginia Horvath said, “This support from AT&T helps Fredonia do something important for high school students in our region: engaging them in real problem-solving in STEM fields. We hope to encourage more young people in studying math, science and technology – all strong fields at Fredonia that prepare people for many kinds of careers.

“With the Athenex plant coming to Dunkirk in the next few years, our area will need a prepared workforce, and programs like this can spark the interest in exploring such fields,” Dr. Horvath said.

AT&T’s support for this educational program is part of the company’s legacy of supporting educational programs focused on STEM disciplines in New York through AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature $350 million philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring. Aspire is one of the nation’s largest corporate commitments focused on school success and workforce readiness by creating new learning environments and educational delivery systems to help students succeed and prepare them to take on 21st century careers.

“There is a high demand for STEM extra-curricular activities, and AT&T’s generous support has made it possible for us to organize this program at no expense for students,” said Reneta Barneva, professor and STEM Exploration Program coordinator. Sessions will be held on the Fredonia campus after school and on weekends in the fall. For additional information contact Dr. Barneva at barneva@fredonia.edu.

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