Governor M. Jodi Rell has proclaimed May 10th as Connecticut Student Innovators’ Day in recognition of 1,200 Connecticut middle and high school students who have participated in year-long courses and programs that promote STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Students will present information technology, e-commerce, and science team projects on May 10, 2008, at the Connecticut Innovation Exposition at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“Our ability to compete successfully in the 21st-century economy depends on a workforce skilled in science and the technical fields. Connecticut has always been a leader in innovation and technology, but we cannot take our position for granted. The challenge today is to plan innovative ways to nurture interest among students at an early age and keep that momentum going through high school, college, and beyond,” said Governor Rell.

Michael Mino, Director of the Center for 21st Century Skills @ EDUCATION CONNECTION, agrees. “We encourage students to think creatively as they incorporate technology, giving them academic skills, life skills, and workforce skills for careers in the 21st century,” says Mino. “Students have embraced the challenges presented in these courses and exhibit exciting and imaginative projects at the Connecticut Innovation Expo.” Mino and his staff develop and manage the technology-rich, project-based courses and programs in conjunction with Connecticut Career Choices (CCC). There are currently more than 40 schools across the state using the curricula.

The exhibition is free to the public and attendees can visit student exhibitions, witness the unveiling of a new virtual collaboration environment, and say hello to students joining the Expo virtually from China. Oral presentations or “elevator pitches” to “sell” their projects will be presented by students throughout the day.

PRESENTING TEAMS INCLUDE:
Connecticut Innovation Academy (CTIA) student teams, in response to an Innovation Challenge from Governor Rell, created computer learning games to help middle school students develop STEM skills.

E-Commerce and Entrepreneurship student teams each developed an e-business and identified a product or service to sell online, keeping in mind aesthetics, customer experience, ease of use, level of trust, and transaction processing.

Biotechnology students generated lessons to teach younger students about a chosen biotechnology concept and related careers. They will exhibit media presentations to demonstrate their lessons.

CT Academy for Science and Research (CTASR) students carried out year-long research projects under the guidance of their science teachers and mentors from a variety of science fields, and entered these projects into regional and state science competitions.

Regional Medical Internship students will discuss STEM career options as explored through their participation in medical internships, seminars, and field trips that clearly connect school experiences to entrance into the workforce of the 21st century.

CCC participants will be joined by students from the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP), Connecticut Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (RCNGM), directed by the Connecticut Community Colleges’ College of Technology. In addition, the Connecticut Technology Student Association (TSA) will compete on Friday, May 9, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR 21st CENTURY SKILLS @ EDUCATION CONNECTION
The Center for 21st Century Skills promotes the advancement of 21st century skills, technical education, and careers by creating “blended learning” environments that combine traditional face-to-face classroom learning with online instruction. It is an organizational unit of EDUCATION CONNECTION, the Regional Educational Service Center for western Connecticut. <www.skills21.org> <www.educationconnection.org> <http://ctcconline.org>

ABOUT CONNECTICUT CAREER CHOICES (CCC)
CCC is an initiative to engage Connecticut middle and high school students in a variety of challenging STEM-related courses. CCC combines innovative, Internet-based curriculum with experiential learning opportunities, such as hosting classroom speakers, company tours, job shadows, and teacher externships. <http://ctcareerchoices.org>