HARTFORD, Conn.-- United Technologies Corporation (UTC), in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), today announced a program for high school science teachers designed to increase teacher understanding about the skills needed for a scientifically literate workforce. The United Technologies Corporation/NSTA Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Externship Program provides secondary school science educators with applicable, hands-on work experience in high-tech environments throughout Connecticut.

“Giving teachers the opportunity to translate hands-on experience in a high-tech environment to an effective classroom program will help spark an interest in innovation and build students' knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Through the program, qualified teachers are placed into local UTC sites for a six-week summer learning experience. During this period, teachers are paired with a UTC scientist/engineer, who serves as a mentor to the teachers. Under the guidance of their mentors, teachers work daily on an assigned engineering project, learning the foundational and industry-specific skills required for success in the field. After completing the externship, teachers are required to incorporate what they have learned into a lesson plan, strategy, or activity that they will implement as part of their classroom curriculum the following school year.

---

---

“We need to cultivate an interest in science and technology at an early age, and our nation's teachers are key in setting a foundation and preparing students for success in a technology-driven workforce,” said Dr. J. Michael McQuade, UTC senior vice president, Science and Technology. “Giving teachers the opportunity to translate hands-on experience in a high-tech environment to an effective classroom program will help spark an interest in innovation and build students' knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math.”

This year, seven Connecticut high school science teachers (listed below) were selected to participate as externs in the program, which began on June 25. In addition to the externship, each teacher receives a $6,000 stipend, a one-year NSTA membership, and access to NSTA's various online resources and tools.

2012 United Technologies Corporation/NSTA STEM Externs

• Andrew Angle, Watkinson School, Hartford, Conn.
• Roberta Downer, Middletown High School, Middletown, Conn.
• Penny Kelly, Greater Hartford Academy of Math & Science, Hartford, Conn.
• John Labate, Stratford High School, Stratford, Conn.
• Bryce McMinn, Orville H. Platt High School, Meriden, Conn.
• Christopher Petersen, Bacon Academy, Colchester, Conn.
• Ruth Thomas, Enfield High School, Enfield, Conn.

“Teachers are the primary agents for effecting meaningful change in science, technology, engineering, and math education. Partnering with United Technologies to provide this innovative program underscores NSTA's commitment to elevating the quality of education in the U.S.,” said Gerry Wheeler, interim executive director, NSTA. “The United Technologies Corporation/NSTA STEM Externship Program enables teachers to connect their curriculum to real-world applications, which enhances student engagement and provides examples of how their learning is linked to future career options.”

To learn more about the United Technologies Corporation/NSTA STEM Externship Program, please visit http://www.nsta.org/UTC_STEM/. In the fall, the online application for the 2013 externs will become available. A link to the application will be posted on the site.

About United Technologies Corporation

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.