Brian Conybeare, special advisor to Governor Cuomo, spoke to more than 500 students at Nyack High School in Rockland County, as part of the school’s “Science Week” program. The presentations highlighted the bridge project’s 2013-2014 educational theme titled “Discovery and Environmental Stewardship.” Related topics such as environmental monitoring, dredging, pile driving activities, geological investigations and natural resource protection were shared with the eager group of teens.
The goal of Science Week is to highlight careers in science, technology, engineering and math. This important local program is supported by the Foundation to Inspire Excellence in Nyack Schools – a nonprofit that aims to promote positive change and progress in regional schools. The foundation promotes innovative educational programs and supports creative learning opportunities throughout the district.
Students were given examples of the wide variety of career paths associated with the project and insight into how to proactively access these opportunities for their own respective futures. Project team members also shared their experiences and enthusiasm for construction, engineering, the arts and sciences.
These presentations offer an excellent opportunity for students and teachers to engage in a dialogue with the bridge project’s professional staff. These project interactions are crucial to the success of the educational outreach effort. Many students expressed interest in learning more about the bridge design and construction, both inside and outside of the classroom.
As part of public involvement efforts, the New NY Bridge project team is developing an educational outreach program to support teachers and engage students. One of the goals of the program is to provide teachers with supplemental materials, on this innovative world-class project. These materials will allow educators to easily plan lessons and class activities that relate to a variety of aspects of the bridge project and its impact on the area. The goal is to provide support for hands-on, innovative thinking, problem-solving and team building activities for students.
The New NY Bridge team continues to develop programs to engage with local schools and community groups. It’s this communication that will keep local communities and New Yorkers involved throughout the construction of the new bridge.
