To the editor –
A recent report by the Global Climate Change Panel highlights the urgency of Somerville and cities around the world for fossil fuels. With efforts to transition to renewable energy (http://cleanchoiceenergy.com), increase energy efficiency (http://masssave.com) and transform our buildings and vehicles into all electricity (http://masscec.com), our students and our workforce. We need to prepare for a green economy in the future. This means expanding public education to ensure school programs, including additional courses in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as lifelong training opportunities, as the transition to a green economy.
Our commitment to public education must grow with our economic needs. Our investment in green infrastructure means we need skilled entrepreneurs to build it. There are also hundreds of thousands of jobs in STEM every year. After-school programs and further adult education can help thousands of Somersville residents find employment in these fields. Visually, Sommerville Public Schools enrolled twice as many students, so Somerville could teach thousands more. This will help ensure that the people of Somerville have a great chance of success.
Every interested student should be guaranteed a placement in our after-school programs. After-School Programs Any student who is motivated to learn can learn by completing the course during regular school hours so that students can gain additional experience in STEM. This gives Somvilleville students the opportunity to enter the workforce and continue their education. After-school programs also provide more flexibility for working parents.
Every Somerville resident should receive a lifelong education. Somerville can do this by offering new courses, English as a second language, and training required skills in our new high school in the evening. Somerville can partner with local businesses to create learning centers and use Fablela High School in Summerville High School to support local businesses. Continued human resource development is essential to help workers continue to work. Often, many jobs require only one or two skills, so investing in adult education can pay for itself by supporting work, local businesses, and economic growth. Education excellence helps us achieve greater economic equality.
Somerville must lead by example in the transition to a green economy. Sommerville’s investment in green infrastructure and expanded public education could inspire similar initiatives in other communities. Let’s create that future city and one student at a time.