Stark Technical College (STC) proposes an Advanced Technological Education project in Environmental Technology which will result in the development of an Environmental Technology option within Civil Engineering Technology. The project will address northeastern Ohio's business and industry needs for technical expertise in environmental instrumentation, regulation and compliance areas as well as waste minimization/pollution prevention concepts. This need is critical due to the heavy concentration of manufacturing in the region and the fact that northeastern Ohio is the most polluted quadrant of the state. The College's established ties with business and industry in the region will facilitate the design of a program that will produce uniquely qualified graduates who can help the public and private sectors address growing environmental regulations and concerns. The AAS degree curriculum will be tied into secondary Tech Prep programs in the region and related bachelor's degree programs at Youngstown State University and the University of Findlay. An integral part of the curriculum will be advanced communications technologies which will enable students (high school, two-year college and university) to communicate with each other on collaborative projects. It also will serve as the basis for an Environmental Resource Center (ERC), to be operated by students, which will facilitate and enhance instruction, as well as respond to business/industry and community questions and concerns. A major component of the project will be Summer Institutes and academic year follow-ups for teacher/faculty enhancement in several key areas: pedagogy; technical expertise; and math, science and communications-related instruction.
