Albany Intl., UNH partnership a driving force as STEM instruction moves forward in Rochester schools

From left: Rochester students Caleb Reavis, Caiden Brand and Lucien Iorio work with UNH STEMbassador Michael Cook (Courtesy photo).

ROCHESTER - More than two years into a partnership with the University of New Hampshire and Albany International, the Rochester Schools are continuing to develop innovative opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM.

"Albany International and UNH continue to be tremendous partners by empowering students and teachers alike," Assistant Superintendent Kyle Repucci said. "With their help, we're doing some awesome work with the STEM fields that will have a lasting impact on our students."

Following a three-year financial commitment by Albany, UNH has brought its K-12 STEM Teachers Collaborative program to Rochester, enabling the city's elementary school educators to increase their expertise in computing, engineering and technology.

Through their partnership, Albany, UNH and the Rochester Schools have worked hand-in-hand to make substantial changes to the school district's STEM program through professional development opportunities, curriculum revision and the introduction of coding into the classroom.

The collaboration has positioned the program to enhance Rochester's curriculum offerings, train teachers and provide access to advanced equipment that allows students the opportunity to truly embrace STEM methods.

The university has sent student "STEMbassadors" to visit Rochester's schools on four occasions, conducted a Family STEM Night and will also send STEMbassadors to visit Rochester's after school program in the spring.

"From our vantage point, there is no greater source of long-term competitive advantage than talent - especially STEM talent - and no better way for a state to promote long-term economic development than by investing in its STEM infrastructure," said Albany International's President and CEO Joe Morone. "Business has a responsibility to form educational partnerships that help build that STEM infrastructure, and we very much hope that our collaboration with UNH and the Rochester schools will be duplicated by other companies with other school districts in other parts of the state."

Albany has also gone above and beyond in working with Spaulding High School to create a dual enrollment opportunity in advanced manufacturing that could position them for career placement following graduation.

"UNH and Albany have a deep appreciation for the value of a STEM education, and they have made an extraordinary commitment to our students and teachers," Superintendent Michael Hopkins said. "In just two years, this partnership has invigorated our teachers and enabled them to take exciting ideas back to their classrooms."