Work and Learning for Schools and Kids

The S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) conference and the planning that leads up to it is intended to interest young people, their teachers, and their families in knowing more about S.T.E.M. fields. The United States currently lags behind most nations in producing people who choose to work in STEM careers and this effort can help to assure students are ready and enthusiastic about pursuing a future in STEM.

Called "Blackstone Valley S.T.E.M. Kids-Branching Out", the conference will be held at Tufts/Cummings Veterinary School campus in Grafton, MA. An exciting partner in this project, Tufts/Cummings is helping the Foundation to create a program for middle/jr high students that will pique their interest in S.T.E.M. careers and inform them about academic and preparation pathways to good jobs in these fields. Funding is provided through the Massachusetts Pipeline Project and sponsors are encouraged to enhance this venture with their participation as funders for parts of the program or as participants to help educate students.

Each Foundation member school district is preparing their students for participation in this year's project. Just 10 students will represent each sending school at the conference, with 100 students participating. Many more students will learn about STEM from those who attend the conference, as their job is to spread the word.

If you are interested in knowing more about this program or if you would like to help kids or schools be better prepared in STEM fields, contact Susan Gately at 508.234.9090 or at sgately@blackstonevalley.org.

If you or your company would like to sponsor a part of the S.T.E.M. program, opportunities are available for this spring-'09 and next spring-'10. For example, luncheon, supplies, souvenirs, bus transportation, and honoraria for speakers would be helpful supports. Your name would appear in all publications and news items about this event as well as on t-shirts and portfolios that the kids use at the conference and at their schools. Contact Susan Gately at 508.234.9090 or at sgately@blackstonevalley.org for more information.

Leadership Blackstone Valley

Leadership Blackstone Valley is an important initiative that is currently on hiatus, refining its reach, resources, and implementations. For more than 5 years Leadership Blackstone Valley cultivated talented individuals who continue to thrive in and enhance this special place in Central Massachusetts.

For more info, click here.

Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy

BVYLA is a unique leadership program for students in the 9th and 10th grade in high schools across the Blackstone Valley in Massachusetts. The Academy seeks to enhance the leadership skills of these young people and strengthen their connection to the Blackstone Valley. Read our brochure for more info.

Workforce Development

Work and Learning for Adults

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Education Foundation sponsored with Worcester State College this spring a 6 session program called Certificate in Entrepreneurship. More than 20 students participated.

As follow-up the Chamber and Education Foundation hosted in October 3 levels of QuickBooks, an accounting software, to acquaint students with using the program and improving their business efficiencies and effectiveness. The first three levels were filled and a wait list started.

Later this fall a session to learn more about Excel, a Microsoft spreadsheet program, will be offered. Check the website from time to time for details about time and date.

These three topics will be repeated and new topics added as we hear from you about what information can be helpful to your business growth and development.

Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
110 Church St.
Whitinsville, MA 01588-1442
Phone: 508.234.9090
Fax: 508.234.5152
achamberlain@blackstonevalley.org
An Affiliate of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce
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