ESSEX JCT., Vt. (WCAX) – Some new high-tech equipment is benefiting students at Essex High School thanks to GlobalFoundries.
Students and guests gathered Tuesday for a ribbon cutting and demonstration of how to use some new equipment.
“It’s an important field to be able to do the work that we do in manufacturing semiconductors to be in the cars, phones, and computers that we all know and love today,” said GlobalFoundries’ Daniel Colello.
The Essex Junction chipmaker two years ago donated $10,000 to the school’s STEM Academy and it’s now being used to build up the infrastructure of the science lab. Teachers say the new equipment will provide a hands-on learning experience.”I think actually going out and doing science and not just reading about it in a book or doing word problems. And I think what we’re building here, it just gives kids a lot of practical applications to the things that they’re learning in the classroom,” said Michael Walogorsky, and EHS teacher.
The goal of the lab space is for students to do research and other projects. Teachers have opportunities to work with different model systems, analyze DNA, and go out in the field to collect data.
“You can imagine the semiconductor field is very important that we reach into the community and really foster STEM,” Colello said.
“I think the supplemental programs, at least until we see perfect equity, are really instrumental in making sure that underserved populations or marginalized identities have that jumpstart that they need in order to then pursue those education or career pathways,” said Caelan Keenan with Vermont Works for Women.
Jay Ramsey with the Vermont Department of Labor says these programs are also key for addressing the state’s workforce crisis. “They’re preparing the future workforce and helping connect high school students to the good jobs that exist out there around the state,” he said.
Students are encouraged to do more lab procedures with this equipment and investigate topics they’re passionate about.
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