Testimony for LD 678
March 15, 2009 -
Representative Sutherland and esteemed members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, my name is Justin Alfond. I am a resident of Portland and today I am pleased to appear before you today as the sponsor of L.D. 678, “An Act to Provide Middle School Students with Access to Innovative Science Education”.
As committee members know all too well, these are challenging and stressful times in our economy and it hits our educational institutions especially hard. Because of this, we must invest our education dollars where they will generate the most return. I am pleased to present the successful non-profit, the Gulf of Maine’s Institute and their Sam L. Cohen Center for Interactive Learning.
The Cohen Learning Center for Interactive Learning could be one of Maine’s best kept secrets. Since the fall of 2005, the Sam L. Cohen Learning Center has brought 5th and 6th graders from every corner of our state to Portland to immerse them in half day program called LabVenture!.
Students are put into an interactive, working marine research laboratory to use real scientific methods and tools to investigate Maine’s fresh and saltwater ecosystems. The ‘Mystery of Fish X’ engages student’s in computer technology and forces them to actively communicate, think critically and conduct experiments in a current, locally relevant resource question.
I have visited the Cohen Learning Center for Interactive Learning many times, and to see the focused excitement in students towards achieving their goals is remarkable.
In this committee, we have seldom engaged in policy discussions regarding cutting-edge programs that incorporate science, math, technology and innovation. These ingredients are key to a skilled and diverse workforce and economy. Middle school is a critical time for the development of the science interest and skills, and the Cohen Learning Center is making marine science fun -- and is getting results doing it.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is a non-profit, and all of their 5th-8th grade programs are free of charge to all Maine students. Every student that comes to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute is bused to Portland. The funding model for the Cohen Learning Center combines private donations, corporate sponsors and their unique 16-county strategy.
Funding for the Gulf of Maine Research Institute funding has dropped sharply due to the downturn in the economy. They have laid-off 15% of their staff and have streamlined their operations in hopes of maintaining their goal of bringing 90% of Maine students to the center. Sadly, this goal is no longer possible and this year they will be reducing their services to 50% of the students of Maine.
The Cohen Learning Center has never come before the legislature looking for support. Today, I am asking the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee to evaluate a partnership with the Cohen Learning Center so that we can continue Maine’s critical mission of training the next generation of scientists and leaders. The Cohen Learning Center is requesting $251,000 for FY 10 and 11.
Thank your for your consideration of this bill, and I would be happy to answer any questions at this time.
