 Lt. Governor Murray Touts Importance of STEM in Attleboro Bristol Community College's Attleboro campus hosted a CONNECT-organized visit from Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray on August 18, 2011. The Lt. Governor was in town to discuss the commonwealth's plan to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education as a driver for economic development. Murray also announced six programs that had received endorsement for expansion from the Governor's STEM Council - one of them was Massasoit Community College's Science Transfer Initiative. CONNECT administers the Southeastern MA/Cape and Islands PreK-16 STEM Network. To learn more about or to join the Network, or to view a video of the Lt. Governor's presentation, visit the CONNECT STEM home page. |
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UMASS Dartmouth and Mass Maritime Conduct In-Ocean Test of Marine Renewable Energy
The first in-ocean demonstration project of a tidal energy device in Massachusetts was completed by UMass Dartmouth's New England Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC) as officials outlined plans to establish a 300-square-mile first-in-the-nation test site off Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. A prototype underwater turbine was lowered into the ocean near Muskeget Channel on August 10 and has been capturing energy from ocean current over the past several days. The turbine was lowered from the Mass Maritime Academy test barge (pictured above).
Analysts believe the marine renewable energy sector has the potential to generate significant economic impact in the form of research, development, and manufacturing activity. "This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the capability of Massachusetts and New England as a leader in marine renewable energy development," UMD Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack said. Added MMA President Richard Gurnon, "As a leader in clean energy for our state, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is excited to be a part of this worthwhile project. It is our hope this study will help lead the way in the marine renewable energy field and will set the standard for our country going forward."
Read the full story here.
Cape Cod Introduces "Take Three and Then Free"
Over the summer, Cape Cod Community College kicked off a new pilot program to boost program and degree completion. The "Take Three and the Fourth is Free" program uses specially-designated scholarship funds to help students complete their programs more quickly. Students enrolled in three courses for Fall were invited to take a fourth course for free, thereby moving them to full-time status. Academic research shows that student achievement grows as students move from part-time to full time status, so this effort is expected to yield academic as well as financial benefits. The College is tracking usage and student outcomes for the pilot program, and hopes to grow the program to around 50 students per semester.
Brid gewater State University - Discussion on Education
September 21, 2011, 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Bridgewater State University will host the kickoff of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce series "Good Morning Metro South" with a focus on education. Featured speaker Richard M. Freeland, Commissioner of Higher Education in Massachusetts, will outline the Vision Project, which aims to position Massachusetts as a leader in public higher education, producing "the best educated citizenry and workforce in the nation." Then, Dr. Martha J. Kanter, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, will discuss President Obama's American Graduation Initiative. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. For more information contact the Chamber.
Massasoit Community College - Fine Art Reception and Tour
September 26, 2011, Noon - 2:30 p.m.
Massasoit invites the community to join in celebrating its collaboration with The Art Connection, Inc. Through this project local artists have donated 44 pieces of fine art that are on display throughout campus buildings. The celebration will include refreshments, an opportunity to meet the artists who have donated their works, and tours of the artwork, including the 25 newest additions to the growing campus museum. For more information: 508-588-9100 x1706 or email rblanchette@massasoit.mass.edu.
Bristol Community College - Entrepreneurship Day
September 29, 2011, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Small business start-ups are vital to a healthy economic environment. Research suggests that 99.7 percent of all employee firms are small businesses and that 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs annually are generated by small business. BCC celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit with Entrepreneurship Day, a free event including guest speakers, hot dogs, and lively demonstrations. An array of entrepreneurs, including Phoenix Cupcakes, Sol Jewelry, and BikeWorks, will demonstrate business products and services and speak one-on-one with participants about their experiences. For more information call 508-678-2811 x2695, or click here.
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To suggest future articles or calendar notices to appear in the CONNECT Chronicle, please email Kim Williams, CONNECT Staff Assistant, at kim.williams@connectsemass.org. All events to be included must be open to participants from all CONNECT member institutions. |
CONNECT Faculty Fellow in Sustainability Ann-Marie Burke, along with faculty and staff from all six CONNECT campuses, worked throughout the spring to build an inventory of campus resources and educational offerings related to sustainability at the CONNECT schools. This information will help faculty identify best practices and find collaborators; it may also be used to identify gaps and new areas for collaboration amongst the six institutions. Visit the 
