Bolinsky & Hwang Supports Young Innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Education

NEWTOWN- State Reps. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106 Newtown) and Tony Hwang (R-134 Fairfield & Trumbull) attended the 14th Annual Southern Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair at Newtown High School.

The Fair was sponsored by Southern CT Science & Engineering Foundation (SCSEF), and featured individual displays of 250 student science projects. Attendance was well over 600, including students, parents, mentors, judges and event volunteers from across Southern CT.

The SCSEF Fair is open to all 7th through 12th grade students residing, or enrolled, in area CT schools and several New York towns. The objective of the program is to attract young people to careers in science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) while developing skills essential to critical thinking. Through science fair participation, students are encouraged to pursue independent work using proper research methods.

William Foster, Co-founder of SCSEF believed the fair reinforces, “Critical Thinking, which is disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence. We at SCSEF had tried to promote this thinking by providing a venue challenging students to do this. This helps develop them to be better scientists, engineers, community citizens, U.S. and global citizens. Our first winner of the fair, Hans Lintermans, worked for the consulting company McKinsey after completing his MS in science. He has now completed an MBA and is working for Facebook in Brazil.”

Rep. Bolinsky said, “I was awestruck by the sophistication and critical thinking in all these experiments and projects, as well as the depth of knowledge each student enthusiastically expresses about hers or his work! You know, in the legislature, it seems we spend a lot of time considering what’s not working in our educational system but today was a shining example of so much that is working. No, not just working but excelling. This was like being at the Science Olympics, in my own backyard. I am so grateful to Newtown High’s Science Guru Tim DeJulio for inviting me to share in this event. What an exciting experience!” Bolinsky concluded by expressing his hope that next year’s event, marking the Foundation’s 15th annual fair, can again be hosted by Newtown High School.

Rep. Hwang, a strong supporter of STEM education and served as one of the judges said, “The educational fundamentals espoused by SCSEF and reinforced by the outstanding efforts of all student participants and their mentoring teachers/advisors is impressive. This experience will help those students develop skills and experience that will empower them to succeed in a competitive job marketplace. This is an essential step toward building a strong foundation for innovative and successful businesses in CT.

Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly supported new state investment in STEM education and training. The goal is to have a skilled workforce for Connecticut’s high-tech employers to meet the demands of the 21st century global economy. The investment in the STEM program for the University of Connecticut will generate $146 million per year in new research expenditures and $285 million in new business activity in Connecticut. In addition, it is expected to create 4,050 permanent new jobs and 30,000 total construction jobs through 2024.

This year’s keynote speaker was David Pogue an award-winning technology journalist for the New York Times and as well as host of PBS’ “scienceNOW” and “Making Things” NOVA series’ and contributor to CBS’ “Sunday Morning” technology segment.

For more information about the fair, visit www.scsef.org.