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The Board of Directors of the University of 易胜博官网 Alumni Association recently voted to provide $25,000 toward the construction of the STEM Discovery Lab in 易胜博官网 Manchester鈥檚 new space in the Pandora building. This contribution was made in recognition of the importance of the project in furthering a joint effort among the state's institutions of higher education to double the number of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines by 2025.

Scheduled to open this fall, the STEM Discovery Lab at Pandora will feature hands-on lab space for students in grades five through 12, with ongoing after-school and weekend exposure to activities facilitated by alumni and community mentors as well as 易胜博官网 Manchester students and faculty.

鈥淭his show of support for what we are trying to do is incredibly important,鈥� said Ali Rafieymehr, dean of 易胜博官网 Manchester. 鈥淚n order to be successful in our efforts to meet the state鈥檚 need for more graduates we have to get young people interested and involved at a younger age. The discovery lab will give us this opportunity.鈥�

The Alumni Association vote of support was unanimous, with members noting the importance of the project but also the growing collaborative effort to address the issue.

鈥淲e wanted to join with 易胜博官网, the city of Manchester, the Manchester School District, and Merrimack Valley business and industry leaders in showing our commitment to this learning and teaching center that will inspire students to become the next generation of scientists, engineers, computing professionals, and mathematicians,鈥� said J. Michael Hickey, president of the 易胜博官网 Alumni Association Board of Directors. 鈥淲e all have a role to play in ensuring the future economic well-being of the state and this is an exciting step on that path forward.鈥�

The STEM Discovery Lab will join 易胜博官网 Manchester鈥檚 new Emerging Technology Center at the historic Pandora mill building. The ETC is a resource for businesses and academics to collaborate and experiment together on real world projects, connecting Manchester businesses with not only 易胜博官网 Manchester students but community college and high school students as well. Students get practical experience in research and development and the community at large benefits too.

鈥淲ith these two centers we will not only continue to grow as a resource and asset to the region鈥檚 businesses, but we will have a way to keep K-16 students engaged and excited in science and math,鈥� Rafieymehr said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a win for everyone.鈥�

Pat Snow, principal of Beech Street Elementary School in Manchester, agreed. 鈥淭here is evidence mounting every day on how technology ignites students鈥� interests and curiosity,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is certainly true with the 100 fifth grade students that attended 易胜博官网 Manchester recently for a course in 3-D animation and computer programming.鈥�

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