Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Sat Sep 17, 2011, 10:35 PM EDT
MCHENRY — With almost $265,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, $183,000 from Garrett County commissioners and $82,000 out of its own pocket, Garrett College is ready to increase programs in science, technology, engineering and math.
“There is a nationwide push to put more American students in STEM programs,” said Jim Allen, interim dean of academic affairs.
The grants will support associate degree programs in math/science, electrical engineering and cyber-security.
In addition, a competitive college robotics team will be established.
“There are already 15 students and five faculty and staff signed up for the robotics team,” Allen said Friday.
Allen said three Garrett County employers already use, or anticipate on using, some robotics and would be potential workplaces for students.
“We are looking into the possibility of making the robotics program a two-year, career offering,” Allen said.
A Rural Entrepreneurship Academy will function via the college’s continuing education program. It will be a noncredit course.
The ARC funds, announced by Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski, will purchase smart boards, laptop computers and a server.
“STEM graduates are in demand to fill the jobs of today and the jobs of tomorrow,” Mikulski said.
“America’s future de-pends on our ability to embrace high-tech education and training needed for jobs in the 21st century,” Cardin added.
Allen said he hopes the new offerings will increase enrollment.
“We are certainly off to a good start in the very first semester of our electrical engineering program with 10 students choosing it as their majors,” he said.
The current college enrollment is at 777, according to an online source.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com
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