ECA Project Reports (June)

1. Land Use Compatibility (June Minutes)

James Welling said several solar plants are being proposed for the local area.  The base has been contacted and has no problems with the projects.

2. Education (June Minutes)  

Johnstone said the Lancaster University Center Fresno Engineering Program is hosting a second Engineering 11 program beginning in August.  This program is for high school juniors and seniors enrolled in math, science, and pre-engineering.  The fifteen week semester begins 26 Aug and ends 9 Dec. 2008.  Interested students should contact Dr. J.S. Shelley at 661-723-6429 X 120 or e-mail: jshelley@csufresno.edu.

Les Uhazy said Antelope Valley College is working with Victor Valley Community College in a joint grant.  AVC is also hosting a workshop on Supplier Data Base this summer.

2a. Summer Internships

The invitation to participate in the summer intern program has been sent out to AV and east Kern County high schools.  This month long program is intended for math, science and engineering students and includes field trips, classroom work and internships with business and industry.  The program is on schedule for four weeks beginning in July.

2b. Engineering 11

By popular demand, Fresno State University will conduct another Engineering 11 session at the Lancaster University Center.  This program is open to qualified high school juniors and seniors only and contains topics in engineering that serve as an introduction to the field of engineering and technology.  Qualified students will have Junior or Senior standing in high school, algebra II or concurrent, GPA 3.0 (on a 0-4 scale) signature of Councilor or Project Lead the Way instructor.  The class will be 3 hours, once a week on Tuesdays from 4-7 PM.  The fifteen week semester begins 26 Aug and ends 9 Dec. 2008.  Interested students should contact Dr. J.S. Shelley at 661-723-6429 X 120 or e-mail:

jshelley@csufresno.edu.

High Desert University Foundation (June Minutes)

Johnstone presented the High Desert University Foundation video which was well received by those in attendance.  Johnstone said the Foundation wants to get the word out to the community on the University and offered to present the video at community functions.  He also said the High Desert University Master Plan can be down loaded from the Board of Trade website at:  avbot.org.

Tehachapi Hospital Supports HDUF (June Minutes)

At the last EKERN meeting in Tehachapi, representatives of the Tehachapi hospital gave strong support to the efforts to bring a University to the High Desert.  They also stressed the need for medical and health care training in the University.  This training could be a part of the private hospital on 56 acres on the western boundary of Edwards Air Force Base being studied by the base.

Green Economy Echoes Industry Demand for CTE

California Space Authority press Release April 22, 2008.  The California Space Authority, as part of the Get Relevance in Education and Learning (GetREAL) Coalition, voiced its support for a robust career technical education (CTE) system as a way to ensure economic development within the emerging green economy.  “If California is to take advantage of new economic opportunities, restoring respect to career and technical education courses will be required.  Innovation and creativity will abound when we provide those who think with their hands an outlet.”  With an 84% growth in green businesses since 1990, California’s economy is dependent upon a skilled workforce capable of meeting this multiplying demand.

Survey on Californians and Education

California Capitol Hill Bulletin, May 2, 2008.  The Public Policy Institute of California recently released the latest PPIC Statewide Survey: “Californians and Education”.  The study found that education ranks as the second biggest concern for Californians, after the economy.  Following are some key findings:

• More than half (53%) of the state’s residents say the quality of K-12 public schools is a major problem

• 60% choose K-12 public education as the area they would like to protect from budget cuts

• 49% are willing to pay more, and 48% are not, to improve education

• Seven in ten (69%) say the dropout rate is a big problem, followed by teaching children with limited English skills (46%) and teacher quality(28%)

Aerospace Industry Urges Congressional Support for Science, Math Education (June Minutes)

The Aerospace Industries Association has sent several letters to Congress and the White House encouraging support for full funding of federal scientific research and education initiatives like the Education Department’s Math and Science Partnerships program.

Is the Local Workforce Ready for High Tech Jobs?

Brook Stockberger, Sun-News Business Editor Article Launched 5/12/08.  Las Cruces - The fact that southern New Mexico plans to attract more high-tech companies is no secret.  We are lacking some critical skill sets that high-tech companies want.  They want to hire people that have 10-15 years experience, but many now work in southern California or the D.C. area.  It is important for the business community to have continued cooperation with the education and government sectors in the region.  One of the real strengths of this area is the connection with the New Mexico State University and the connection to the government laboratories nearby.  The US average wage per job was almost $42,000 per year.  In New Mexico we’re at $29,000.

Solar Industry Needs Workers

David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle, May 10,2008;  California’s fascination with solar power has created thousands of jobs in the state and will probably add thousands more, according to a new survey of the industry.  Solar companies in California now employ between 16,500 and 17, 500 people and may hire another 5,000 in the next year.  “You don’t need a PhD or a B.A. to get into this industry”.  It’s an opportunity to rebuild the working-class jobs that have been lost.”  Entry-level solar installers make a median salary of $31,000 per year, their more experienced colleagues earn $60,000.  Experienced solar designers and engineers earn a median salary of $83,000.  Five Bay Area community colleges already offer courses in solar installation, and three others plan to follow suit.  Growth in the solar industry will depend on government programs that have spurred interest in solar power.  If the federal government does not extend a tax credit for solar installations, the industry won’t add as many jobs as it otherwise would have.

America’s Most Overrated Product: the Bachelor’s Degree

Marty Nemko, The Chronicle of Higher Education.  A majority of students whom colleges admit are grossly underprepared.  Only 23 percent of the 1.3 million high school graduates of 2007 who took the ACT examination were ready for college-level work in the core subjects of English, math, reading, and science.  The more prestigious the institution, the more likely that faculty members are hired and promoted much more for their research than for their teaching.  In the latest annual survey of freshman, 44.6% said they were not satisfied with the quality of instruction they received.

The next EKERN Meeting is scheduled for June 2nd in Tehachapi.