Rutigliano, Area Legislators Highlight Trumbull BEI’s “Winning Formula”

The Trumbull Business-Education Initiative (BEI) Foundation on Mar. 10 held a Legislative Forum on Education at Trumbull High School.

Moderated by State Senator Tony Hwang of Fairfield, the forum brought together Trumbull State Representatives Laura Devlin, Ben McGorty, and Dave Rutigliano along with local officials and State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell.

Rep. Rutigliano said, “It’s always a pleasure to spent time with the BEI crew; kids are super smart and asked intelligent questions.  There was a real concern with high school curriculum as it relates to college ambitions, and potential career paths. Typical night in Trumbull, smart kids, involved parents and great teachers!!”

“The opportunities Trumbull High School offers through the Business Education Initiative are really impressive – as are the students I have had the chance to meet through these programs. It was a pleasure to participate in the forum and talk with the students after and to see the interest and engagement among the students who attended the program,” said Rep. Devlin. “When I was in high school I participated in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and gained considerable experience that was formative to my career in business, so I know firsthand the positive impact programs like the BEI have and the doors they can open for young minds.”

“It was a pleasure to participate in the Trumbull Business-Education Initiative, which helps set the stage for our talented local students to prepare for careers, and understand what employers are seeking as they move forward with the next phase of their lives,” said Rep. McGorty.  “Giving them greater and more comprehensive preparation for the increased and changing demands of the economic and employment landscapes will help pave a smoother career path for them all.”

“Trumbull BEI is a role model for other towns to follow,” Sen. Hwang said. “The emphasis on matching education with job-focused experiences is a winning formula.  This is a cooperative team effort to help prepare students to better compete in the global business marketplace. It’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs. In this challenging economy and labor market, we really need to help prepare our young students with marketable skills as they move forward in their future careers.  The ultimate goal is to secure good jobs and gain economic security.  We are happy to help spread that positive message.”

The mission of the BEI, as stated on their website, is to develop an environment in which students will acquire an understanding of the needs and requirements of the work world, and acquire an appreciation of these demands as they continue to develop in their career fields.