Members of the Concord Public School System and New England District Executive Team signed an Education Partnership Agreement at the district's headquarters in Concord, Mass., June 9.
The partnership is a win-win situation for all involved: the town's public schools will have access to the District's engineers and scientists -- some of the finest in the world -- to show students real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). By exposing and inspiring students to seek paths in math and science careers, the District could potentially gain members of a future workforce. The Concord Public School System serves more than 2,000 students in grades pre-Kindergarten through 8.
"An important goal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' strategic plan is 'Prepare for Tomorrow,' " said Col. Charles Samaris, commander New England District. "Building partnerships with strong organizations, like Concord Middle School, is one step toward achieving that goal. And, it's a great example of government and academia working together to motivate and nurture a highly competent and diverse STEM workforce for our community, the region and the nation."
Mark Anderson, New England District's STEM point of contact, had been working with Doug Shattuck, Applied Technology Teacher and Concord Public School STEM Coordinator, as an engineering mentor for the town's Future City Team from 2008 to 2013. "I would spend two hours a week every week from September to February with the students to help them with the annual competition," said Anderson.
The town's Future City Team disbanded in 2013, and Anderson approached Shattuck with the idea of an Education Partnership Agreement as a way for the District to stay involved with the students. Shattuck contacted Diana Rigby, Concord-Carlisle Superintendent and agreement cosigner, who loved the idea of the partnership. "We are pleased and excited to bring this amazing resource to the students and teachers of Concord and we look forward to participation by our students and faculty in many innovative research and educational programs," she said.
The Education Partnership Agreement with Concord Public Schools supports the overall USACE Objective 4d1: Shape the workforce for the future and 4d2: Increase STEM and Wounded Warrior initiatives. In addition the establishment of the partnership is provided pursuant to the Education Partnership Act, Title 10 Unites States Code Section 2194b. The New England District is in ongoing talks with over a dozen schools all over New England from Middle School to four year universities for Education Partnership Agreements.
Anderson will work with Shattuck over the summer to coordinate program activities for students for the 2014-2015 school year.
In addition to Col. Samaris, Anderson represented the District during the signing. Shattuck and Lynne Beattie, Principal, Concord Middle School, accompanied Rigby to the event.
The New England District is responsible for managing Corps' civil works responsibilities in New England, including environmental remediation; flood risk management; natural resource management; streambank and shoreline protection; navigation improvements and maintenance; disaster and emergency assistance; regulatory administration; and engineering and construction management support to other agencies.
The mission of the Concord school district is to educate all students to become life-long learners, creative thinkers, caring citizens and responsible contributors in an increasingly diverse global society. The core values of academic excellence, respectful and empathic community, professional collaboration, education equity, and continuous improvement are reflected in the annual district goals and the programs, services and activities that support student learning.
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