INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (CEP) and the Siemens Foundation announced the inaugural Siemens Technical Scholars program, recognizing Indian River State College (IRSC) for delivering outstanding preparation for in-demand jobs and honoring Alysia Bilbo and Johann Garcia, among the first in the nation to receive the prestigious designation.
Bilbo, 24, of Vero Beach, is a student in the IRSC Power Plant Technology Institute, maintaining an A average in the Radiation Protection track.
Garcia, 26, of Port St. Lucie, graduated with his A.S. Degree in Electrical Power Technology in 2011, was hired as a Junior Radiation Protection Technician by Bartlett Nuclear, Inc., and promoted to Senior Technician. In addition to national recognition for superior performance, each student will receive a $3,500 scholarship.
“IRSC maintains over 400 partnerships with business and industry to ensure that students receive the real-world training they need to qualify for high-demand jobs and to provide employers with a productive, highly-skilled workforce,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President. “We are very proud of Alysia and Johann for their outstanding performance in power plant technology, resulting in this national recognition.”
Operated in close collaboration with industry partners, IRSC’s power plant program develops a pipeline of well-trained technicians to support the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants. The salaries of graduates entering this field are well above the region’s average, starting around $50,000 annually. Nationwide, jobs in STEM fields are projected to grow at almost double the rate of non-STEM occupations.
Through a generous grant from the Siemens Foundation, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program recognized ten programs nationwide that help students achieve success in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, naming 29 Siemens Technical Scholars.
“The shortage of qualified tech-savvy workers threatens to become a choke point in the growth of businesses and our country’s economic competitiveness,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of Siemens Foundation. “It’s important to make sure young adults understand the tremendous opportunities available through STEM middle-skill jobs.”
Siemens Technical Scholars are recent graduates or students at colleges named top finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. IRSC was named a Top Ten Finalist for the Aspen Prize in 2014 and recognized as a top performing institution for helping students be successful in four areas: learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.
