New tech academy connects students and industry, with careers as a goal
Note: The article below fits with the Tucson Forward philosopy, “We aim to foster economic, scientific and technological development of Tucson in a way that supports and promotes a good quality of life for all its citizens”
The Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Calvin Baker and Bruce Wright Special To The Arizona Daily Star
The recent announcement that a Rochester, N.Y.- based energy company will build a $32 million solar energy plant using innovative thermal storage technology at the University of Arizona Tech Park is great news for Tucson.
But for many Tucsonans, stories about new technology development conjure up images only of white-coated scientists. Few people appreciate how important technology-based economic development is for all Tucsonans, not just those with “Ph.D.” after their names.
A recent study conducted for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration by Lay Gibson, Vera Pavlakovich, and Raphel Gruener of the University of Arizona found that a majority of all employees working in high-tech research parks do not have advanced college degrees.
That means that Tucson’s growing technology sector is a key to the creation of good jobs for Tucsonans from all walks of life – jobs that encourage our young people to stay in town, raise their families here, and contribute to community life.
But that appealing scenario plays out only if we produce graduates who have the interests, skills and work ethic that the technology industry is looking for.
How can we encourage that?
One pioneering approach has taken shape through a creative partnership between Vail School District and the UA Tech Park. Over a decade ago, the district launched Vail High School, a small charter school, on the campus of the UA Tech Park.
With an innovative curriculum emphasizing science, technology and business, the nationally recognized program offers students the potential for part-time employment and internships with Tech Park companies – not to mention the invaluable opportunity to “rub shoulders” with scientists and engineers in the cafeteria, on the grounds, and through a variety of special programs.
In short, Vail High School students learn about the business of technology because they are surrounded by it daily.
Equally important, they are inspired to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology-based fields.
This fall, Vail School District will step out into new territory – expanding the school to a comprehensive K-12 program.
Like the high school, the new entity – named Vail Academy – will offer small class sizes, a personalized learning environment, and opportunities for even the youngest of students to see science and technology as approachable, understandable and fun.
On Feb. 3, the Vail School District broke ground on a 34,000-square-foot facility on a 20-acre parcel at the Tech Park, which will house the Vail Academy and High School.
The partnership between the UA Tech Park and Vail School District exemplifies the close connection between the world of education and the world of science and technology. Already the home to Vail High School, UA South and Pima Community College, the UA Tech Park is about to achieve a national milestone: When Vail Academy opens its doors this fall, the Tech Park will be the only research park in the country to serve students from kindergarten through college graduation.
That means our youth have an opportunity that few others in the country do – to see the world of technology not as something that is mysterious and remote, but as a welcoming environment where they can be involved in many different ways.
There’s lots of talk these days about the importance of enhancing the connections between the education system and the world of technology. This partnership between the Vail School District and the UA Tech Park is a local and national model for doing just that.
E-mail Calvin Baker at bakerc@vail.k12.az.us E-mail Bruce Wright at wrightb@email.arizona.edu
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