News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, February 22, 2013
Contact: Doug Finch, (315) 781-2030
'Hands-on' Agriculture and Technology Education is Key to Inspiring Our Children to Prepare for Careers in the Innovation Economy
Legislative Column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

In last week's column, I shared some of the top must-have skills for the Innovation Economy, including the willingness to learn, math and problem solving skills, creative thinking, and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. As your state legislator, as well as a parent and grandparent, I am always looking for ways to give local families the tools they need to introduce their children to educational opportunities in our communities.

One great example of this is the upcoming Finger Lakes 4-H Expo, which will be held on March 9, 2013 at Midlakes High School in Clifton Springs, and is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario and Seneca counties. The 4-H movement supports our local young people from elementary school through high school with leadership opportunities and hands-on learning activities.

LEARN ABOUT AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL SCIENCE WITH THE 4-H

At the Finger Lakes 4-H Expo, 4-H members as well as teen and adult 4-H leaders can participate in classes focusing on a variety of topics, including Animal Science and Natural Resources. Specialized programs will give children opportunities to learn more about how to grow a garden from seeds and plant cuttings as well as care for and work with dogs, horses and cows.

Agriculture is a critical part of the Upstate economy, generating billions of dollars in economic activity. Having access to these types of classes is a great stepping stone for our young folks interested in continuing the proud traditions of producing the nutritious products we put on our dinner tables every night and working the land - traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation in the Finger Lakes region.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH CLASSES ALSO OFFERED AT THE 4-H EXPO

The 4-H Expo will also focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Local 4-H members will get the chance to learn about electricity, make a 'battery' out of a potato, build a HAM radio, and learn about the 'scientific method.' Simple science projects are a great way to increase a child's curiosity to learn more about the world around us.

The fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) will play a critical role in the future of New York's economy. According to the New York's K-12 STEM Ed Report Card 2011 on the U.S. Innovation website, New York State will need to fill 477,000 STEM-related jobs by 2018. Overall U.S. demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate of all other occupations. This expo will provide a tremendous opportunity to increase our children's exposure to STEM skills - the very tools they will need to succeed in the economy of the future.

LIFELONG LEARNING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ARE KEYS TO THE INNOVATION ECONOMY

Promoting lifelong learning and skills development, supporting innovation, teaching our children the basics and instructing them in critical thinking - these educational goals are the foundations for building New York's Innovation Economy. Sometimes, all it takes is one interesting project or experience to pique a child's interest and set them on a path to lifelong learning. I commend the Cornell Cooperative Extension for its work in offering the 4-H program to local children and providing our young people with a true hands-on experience in the fields of agriculture, animal science and STEM skills and preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow. To learn more about the Finger Lakes 4-H Expo, please visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County website at: http://www.cceontario.org/

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.