This week, I had the honor of meeting with a group of outstanding students from Summit Technology Academy located in Lee’s Summit, MO. On Tuesday, a group of high school juniors and seniors from the academy came to the Missouri State Capitol to see the legislative process in action.
During their time here, they toured the State Capitol and witnessed both legislative chambers in action. It was truly a humbling experience to see future leaders take a keen interest in the political process at such a young age. I appreciate that these students have taken an interest in issues that will affect their future. It makes me proud that such a prestigious institution is a part of my senatorial district.
Summit Technology Academy (STA) is a career pathways institute that collaborates with Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and five other area school districts to provide career readiness classes in the areas of computer science, engineering, health science, finance, human services and arts and communication. Once a student enters their junior year they can apply and be selected to take courses through the academy earning 1.5 credits per semester toward their specific career track. Juniors and seniors also have the option of applying for an internship to work in the areas of computer science, engineering, math and other science related areas.
As the need for employees skilled in the areas of math, science and technology continue to rise, programs like those offered through STA are proven to be very valuable for the continued success of our children across our state. I believe programs like this should be available to students throughout Missouri because they promote innovation and create opportunities for new businesses to enter our communities. I commend Lee’s Summit R-7 and the other partnering school districts for supporting the programs offered through Summit Technology Academy and I hope other districts may use them as a model to offer similar opportunities to our state’s youth.
It was a pleasure to meet with these students and I encourage others to contact my office at any time to schedule a visit. For information about committees or my sponsored legislation for the 2018 legislative session, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Cierpiot. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office in Jefferson City at (573)751-1464.
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