Youngstown City Schools

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012, was the evening for the Fourth Annual College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Awards Dinner, at Youngstown State University (YSU). The event, which has grown tremendously since its induction, acknowledges the success of exceptional STEM alumni, and friends of the college, who have demonstrated a commitment in furthering the accomplishments of YSU STEM students.

This year, there were seven awardees honored. In the outstanding alumni categories were Harry Bircher, professor of geological and environmental sciences at YSU; Dr. Peyman Givi, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering professor at the University of Pittsburgh; Matt Ragan, Senior Controls Engineer at Lockheed Martin, in Akron, Ohio; and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Babcock & Wilcox Co., Mary Pat Salamone.

Dr. Connie Hathorn, Superintendent of Youngstown City School’s was honored as the outstanding education leader. Moreover, Roger and Gloria Jones of Fireline Inc. and The OH, WOW! Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology, in Youngstown, Ohio, were awarded outstanding community partners, for their dedication to YSU and the Mahoning Valley.

Youngstown State University announced on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, a new initiative aimed at encouraging Youngstown city high school students to pursue college degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

The STEM Outreach Initiative is funded by a $20,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation.

“STEM education is imperative to Youngstown’s growth as a leader in sustainable energy, advanced materials and technology,” said Martin Abraham, dean of YSU’s STEM College. “To be successful, the Youngstown area will require technologically advanced and highly skilled STEM professionals.

“This initiative will inspire high school students to pursue STEM careers by nurturing and mentoring past and current YSU STEM students and by providing them with career experiences that give them a deep understanding of the opportunities of STEM education.”

The STEM Outreach Initiative is a partnership between YSU’s STEM College, Youngstown City Schools’ Chaney STEM High School, AT&T and area employers.

“Not only are STEM disciplines integral to communications technology and at the heart of our business, they are increasingly important to every business and the growth of our local economy,” said Stephen Kristan, director of external affairs for AT&T.

“That’s why all students need at least basic STEM exposure and knowledge. Our work with the Youngstown City Schools and YSU is vital to helping young people develop these skills so they can effectively compete with students from around the world in advanced technology fields and enjoy productive and rewarding careers.”

YCS Superintendent Connie Hathorn said: “STEM jobs are growing three times faster than non-STEM jobs, and local businesses, as well as employers across the nation, are concerned about the supply and availability of future workers. Most of our high school students are not aware of the opportunities available to them in the STEM fields. This grant provides students a vital link from our new STEM program to college and future jobs.”

The fundamental objective of the initiative is to connect students at Chaney STEM High School with area STEM-related businesses as a means of encouraging them to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.

Abraham said the decision to work specifically with the Youngstown City Schools is intended to address populations that are nationally underrepresented in STEM disciplines, including economically disadvantaged, blue collar, first college generation, and minorities, particularly African-Americans.

The centerpiece of the initiative is an internship program starting summer 2012 for Chaney STEM students to attain hands-on, real-world experience in STEM-related fields, Abraham said.

“Such experiences help students to better understand the importance and relevance of academic coursework, giving them a better understanding of the academic rigor and requirements of a STEM education,” he said. “Moreover, these experiences make students more desirable for potential employers during their college programs and after graduation, giving them a head start on a fulfilling lifetime career.”

In addition to internships, the initiative will include tutoring and mentorship activities that engage YSU STEM students and recent STEM College graduates to assist high school STEM students.

The initiative also will provide scholarships to students who graduate from the Chaney STEM High School, successfully complete the internship program, and enroll in the YSU STEM College.