Science, technology, engineering and math programs at the University of Connecticut could get a $1.5 billion boost over the next decade, with the intention of creating a pipeline of talent that will yield substantial returns for the state workforce and economy.
The proposed investment in UConn will be part of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's budget to be introduced next week, according to sources familiar with his plan. The governor is expected to outline the UConn proposal Thursday afternoon.
If approved by state lawmakers and the State Bond Commission, the money — targeted for the Storrs, Greater Hartford and Stamford campuses — would be used to hire faculty, improve facilities and increase enrollment in those fields by a third. Also, the money would pay for more than 1,400 full scholarships for top students in those fields, create housing and provide startup money for students' business ideas.
"I think it is terrifically visionary and even more so in today's environment of fiscal constraint," said Howard Gobstein, executive vice president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in Washington, D.C.
"If you look at any of the figures on job growth, any of the figures related to average salary, average income," those in science, technology, engineering and "almost invariably are doing better than the average," Gobstein said.
The investment will also help to maintain and keep the best talent in the state, Gobstein said, adding that Ohio, Pennsylvania and California have invested in the same areas.
http://www.courant.com/community/mansfield/hc-uconn-engineering-school-0131-20130130,0,4906946.story
The proposed investment in UConn will be part of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's budget to be introduced next week, according to sources familiar with his plan. The governor is expected to outline the UConn proposal Thursday afternoon.
If approved by state lawmakers and the State Bond Commission, the money — targeted for the Storrs, Greater Hartford and Stamford campuses — would be used to hire faculty, improve facilities and increase enrollment in those fields by a third. Also, the money would pay for more than 1,400 full scholarships for top students in those fields, create housing and provide startup money for students' business ideas.
"I think it is terrifically visionary and even more so in today's environment of fiscal constraint," said Howard Gobstein, executive vice president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in Washington, D.C.
"If you look at any of the figures on job growth, any of the figures related to average salary, average income," those in science, technology, engineering and "almost invariably are doing better than the average," Gobstein said.
The investment will also help to maintain and keep the best talent in the state, Gobstein said, adding that Ohio, Pennsylvania and California have invested in the same areas.
http://www.courant.com/community/mansfield/hc-uconn-engineering-school-0131-20130130,0,4906946.story