Students in the Chester County Public Schools District (in South Carolina), who are back in school this month, have a new program and some new tools to encourage interest in the science, math and engineering fields.
Giti Tire, which has broken ground on a $560 million tire manufacturing plant in Chester County, is sponsoring a program to encourage local students to pursue careers in science, math and engineering.
Through the "Giti Tire Math and Science Award," teams for each school in the Chester County School District will be given a specific problem to solve and will then present a solution to the problem in an annual competition, which begins this fall. The winning teams (one from elementary, middle and high schools) will receive a trophy and an award.
The Giti Tire plant in Chester County will produce passenger and light truck tires for the replacement and original equipment markets. The plant is expected to generate 1,700 new jobs over the next 10 years. Giti officials are counting on a highly motivated and well-trained workforce to help the plant become one of North America's most advanced and productive tire manufacturing facilities. The Giti Tire Math and Science Award is an investment in this vision and the youth of Chester County.
Many business and education experts recognize that for America to compete effectively in a technologically advanced global economy, our students must be encouraged and empowered in the science, math and engineering fields.
This was recognized in the 2014 State of the Union address when President Obama announced the ConnectED program, a connected effort to make sure all students have access to the latest technology to succeed.
The Giti Tire and Microsoft programs are great examples of the private and public sectors working together to help American youth become the leaders of tomorrow.
The Chester County School District serves more than 5,300 students across the county in three high schools, three middle schools, and five elementary schools, as well as through its career center, alternative education and adult education programs.