Aug 21 2014
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of the new Tech Valley High School, which focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering and math skills, which are increasingly important as New York continues to expand its leadership in the development of next generation technologies.
Located at the Albany NanoTech Complex, the school is the result of collaboration between Tech Valley High School and the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering /SUNY Institute of Technology. Over 140 students are enrolled for the Fall 2014 semester, with the freshman class at capacity.
This facility is another example of how we are preparing today’s students for the ever-growing demands of new science and technology industries,” Governor Cuomo said. “The nanotechnology industry has contributed to tremendous growth in Albany and the surrounding area, and bringing this school to the center of it all is a great way to continue that momentum. I am pleased that the Tech Valley High School is ready to open its doors, and I am confident that it will give students an education that truly prepares them to take on learning and professional opportunities well into the future.”
Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy said, “The new Tech Valley High School will extend opportunities to area students, giving them hands on experience with global leaders. New York State has seen unparalleled growth in the nanotechnology sector, and this is the latest step in ensuring our next generation of STEM students and innovators are prepared to enter the workforce of the future. I thank Governor Cuomo, Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, and our other partners for making this a reality.”
In February of 2013, Governor Cuomo announced the innovative partnership between Tech Valley High School and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology to better prepare students for New York’s growing nanotechnology industry and build a world-class nanotechnology workforce to support it. Under the new partnership, the high school will collaborate with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology on coordinated educational, training, and outreach initiatives targeting the 21st century disciplines of nanoscale science and engineering.
Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, CEO and Officer in Charge of the newly merged College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology said, “Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to expand New York’s global leadership in nanotechnology, and the new Tech Valley High School is a wonderful addition to the synergy of world renowned academic research and development programs present at Albany NanoTech. It is vital that we prepare our young people to enter the increasingly global and high-tech workforce that is taking shape around us. The sooner we can begin that process, the better. We are excited to have Tech Valley High School join us, and welcome the energy and enthusiasm their students and staff will bring to our campus.”
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “Bringing Tech Valley High School to the Nanotech Complex is a ground-breaking education and workforce-training model like no other. At the new school, students and teachers will have unprecedented opportunity to engage directly with leading nanotechnology researchers and faculty, and have access to the industry¹s best resources, labs, classrooms, and equipment all in the environment of a world-class facility. The addition of Tech Valley High School to the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology is going to help Albany and New York State continue to build a competitive pipeline of high-tech professionals, and SUNY is proud to be a part of this exciting occasion.”
Tech Valley High School, a joint venture of Capital Region and Questar III BOCES, serves as a model of innovative public education that leverages strong community and professional partnerships. The new Tech Valley High School facility hosts a state-of-the-art infrastructure including a one-to-one computer environment with wireless internet and projection capability, as well as special design and fabrication labs.
Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan said, “Albany is proud to host this innovative high school program that provides STEM-related opportunities for youth. Locating the Tech Valley High School in the NanoTech complex gives students access to cutting-edge technology. This program is yet another example how the Albany NanoTech complex is making a difference in our City and in our future.”
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said, “There is no better place to prepare the scientists, technicians and engineers of tomorrow than right here in Albany County. Tech Valley High students are going to find themselves in the middle of the Albany NanoCollege, where researchers, faculty, staff and undergrad and graduate students are developing technologies that will shape the future. That is going to be a tremendous advantage for students when they enter the workforce. I extend my congratulations to Tech Valley High School and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology on this visionary partnership and anticipate great things from the young people studying there.”
Dr. James N. Baldwin, District Superintendent of Questar III BOCES said, “Tech Valley High School continues to be ahead of its time, developing a visionary model for educational institutions of the 21st century. The new Tech Valley High School building is remarkable, but so too is the opportunity to co-locate and collaborate with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology, recognized globally as the world leader in nanotechnology education, research, and economic growth. This unprecedented connection will uniquely prepare our students to compete in the global economy emerging in the Capital Region’s Tech Valley.”
Dr. Charles S. Dedrick, District Superintendent of Capital Region BOCES said, “This is a truly exciting day, not just for Tech Valley High School, but the entire Capital Region. Students from 46 school districts are eligible to apply to Tech Valley High School and this incredible new facility, specifically designed to support our revolutionary innovation-based education model, is a gift to each of them. The ability to integrate College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology resources into everyday curriculum is an amazing opportunity for all of us and will enable students to seamlessly transition to university level studies, and ultimately, New York’s future workforce. We thank the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Institute of Technology for its partnership and the opportunity it presents for our students.”
Tech Valley High School is a regional public high school with a STEM focus that is open to all students entering ninth grade. Students are selected by lottery.