Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says she will lobby at the federal level for more opportunities for students across the region to be exposed to the science, technology, engineering and math or STEM fields.
"The bill will help create grant programs for elementary, middle and high schools. Schools are encouraged to partner with their local colleges and non-for profit businesses to bolster innovated STEM related curriculum and mentorship programs designed to develop the stills that folks need."
Gillibrand's 3-point proposal includes strengthening engineering programs, creating additional opportunities for education in computer science and exposing more girls and minorities to the STEM fields.
"Typically in STEM fields, science, technology, engineering and math, it's typically white men; Very few women, very few minorities, very few from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods so we want to change that. The point is all of our best and brightest should have opportunities to excel in the fastest growing industries."
STEM fields are one of the fast growing industries in the state. Gillibrand says some of the highest paying jobs are in the Finger Lakes region.
Gillibrand toured the Rochester STEM High School at the Edison Tech building with Rochester’s mayor, the president of Monroe Community College and the superintendent of Rochester schools on Monday.
