RITCHIE: $10,000 WILL HELP SET WATERTOWN STUDENTS ON PATH TO SUCCESSFUL STEM CAREERS

In an effort to better prepare students for possible careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics—or “STEM”—State Senator Patty Ritchie has delivered $10,000 in special funding to help enhance STEM educational programs in the Watertown City School District.

“It’s so critically important that students are given every opportunity to prepare for their future careers,” said Senator Ritchie.

“This funding will help the Watertown City School District enhance its educational offerings and in turn, help students learn about potential career paths as well as become better prepared to land a job in these fields one day.”

“The Watertown City School District is home to so many students who are interested in one day going on to have STEM careers,” said Watertown City School District Superintendent Terry Fralick.

“We would like to thank Senator Ritchie for recognizing how important it is that these students get the hands on learning opportunities they need to develop their STEM skills and set themselves on a path to future success in these fields.”

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the STEM fields are expected to grow 13 percent between 2012 and 2022, which is faster than the 11 percent rate of growth for all other career fields over the decade. 

Securing funds for Watertown City School District’s STEM program continues Senator Ritchie’s work to prepare our region’s young people for successful future careers.  In recent years, she has successfully delivered funding benefitting students studying for potential careers in culinary arts, agriculture and other fields. 

A member of the New York State Senate Task Force on Workforce Development, Senator Ritchie also joined colleagues this week in releasing a report on how the state can enhance workforce training and improve employee readiness.