PUTNEY-A new initiative is working to address the growing number of high-paying job vacancies in technology, engineering, and manufacturing across the state.
Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy (STRIVE) is designed to expand access to STEM jobs through research funding, educational programming, and workforce development - all with the goal of "creating clear, sustainable career pathways for Vermonters."
Led by Landmark College, Bennington College, the Community College of Vermont (CCV), and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC), STRIVE is a statewide collaboration that says it is "focused on catalyzing research that responds to Vermont's economic needs while preparing students and educators to fill critical workforce gaps."
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as of material available on their website this week, Vermont has a ratio of 73 qualified individuals for every 100 job openings.
Adam Lalor, vice president for neurodiversity research and innovation at Landmark College, is hopeful STRIVE can help change that trajectory.
"I don't know that 40 years from now we'll be trying to think: how do we keep people in this state?" said Lalor in a news release. "We have the possibility of having those high-tech jobs - jobs that allow folks to have the lives they've grown up loving - in Vermont."
Through his work with the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT), Lalor said he is helping facilitate research to identify teaching strategies that support all learners in STEM fields and disseminating trainings to help educators implement them in the classroom.
Landmark College's contribution is just one pillar of STRIVE's strategic plan.
• Bennington College says it is laying the foundation for long-term agricultural research on its Purple Carrot Farm.
• CCV says it is streamlining training and credentialing to better serve both traditional and non-traditional students.
• BDCC says it is working to ensure that programs and research are aligned with the evolving needs of Vermont's industries.
To learn more about STRIVE and upcoming opportunities including open applications for the Science, Technology, and Research Seed Grant (STaRS), visit strivevt.org or contact [email protected].
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.