Ohio's tech prep program provides needed training

Ohio's tech prep program provides needed training
EDITOR:
I read with keen interest The Vindicator's article on Dec. 7 about Roderick Chu, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, and his views about education in Ohio. Filling the clear and present need for technology-oriented trained individuals should be a priority in Ohio.
The state has partially addressed this need with the creation of the engineering tech prep program, which instructs junior and senior high school students in the fundamental principles and practices of the engineering profession.
The local program was developed by David Abrams and is open to all Mahoning County students. This program is also associated with Youngstown State University. Thus, students participating in the robotic, advance manufacturing techniques and computer-aided-drafting (CAD) sections may obtain college credit for their efforts.
As speaker in the Boy Scouts of America's Learning for Life Program, I have had the opportunity to discuss engineering as a career with local high school students. Most pre-engineering students prepare themselves by taking chemistry, physics, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and other classes in high school. The engineering tech prep program focuses the student on understanding the multidisciplinary dimensions of the field of engineering that cannot be obtained by taking only individual academic courses.
Students in the program can explore mechanical, electrical, industrial and other branches of engineering to determine which field best suits their academic and personal interest. This refinement of career goals facilitates a seamless and efficient transfer from high school to college.
To help strength the engineering tech prep program, Mr. Abrams has forged many relationships with area businesses and manufacturers, particularly the in-plant assignments at the General Motors Metal Fabrication plant. The tech prep program is most grateful to Martin Fernback of GM for his coordination of this student development activity.
Parents of high school students or students themselves who have an interest in engineering, have an outstanding opportunity to expand and define that interest g through the engineering tech prep program.
The community should be appreciative to the state of Ohio for the foresight in establishing this essential and beneficial program.
GEORGE SHAY
Braceville
X The writer is a professional engineer.
Mayor, council respond to voters, not arena board
EDITOR:
I would like to defend Youngstown City Council and Mayor George McKelvey regarding the arena project. The negative remarks on talk radio about honesty and integrity were shameful and uncalled for. Some went so low as to bring in the racial issue.
The arena board was given the responsibility to work with the mayor and city council and they blew it. Council has much more experience dealing with and for the citizens of Youngstown. Also, the people have a direct check on the mayor and members of council which they do not have with the appointed arena board.
Talk radio wanted to put the mayor on the spot, and they wanted to question him. He was committed to both sides and he kept his commitment. He was wise in doing so as the results will quickly show.
Board members are new to politics. They are learning the hard way that nobody ever gets his own way, and they are learning much about how to work with the duly elected.
THOMAS P. GILMARTIN Sr.
Youngstown