Arlington High School's BioSMART program focuses on science

Many educators and economists believe jobs in the 21st century will rely heavily on a background in math and science.

With tight budgets, schools are finding it difficult to re-work their programs to catch up to ever changing technology.

"I've always felt that we're a little bit ahead of the curve," says Arlington High School science teacher Mary Jurney.

"Even before we got this federal grant, we were out there pounding the pavement, and making connections with Gillette and some of the other places previous to that, and they were very interested."

"They" are businesses and corporations based in the Twin Cities who have a keen interest in having a well trained work force close by.

 Now, armed with a $6 million government grant, Arlington High School's BioSMART program is helping the school make connections with companies.

 Medtronic is among those donating technology and know how to help the school focus on medical and health sciences, engineering and technology as well as the business and marketing end of science and high tech companies.

"We have a lot more things that other high schools don't have, like equipment," says junior Nor Vang. "More computers, better technology, so I think Arlington's basically just preparing us for the future, where the careers are going to be open later."

Senior Abdurahman Hassen is already thinking about a career in a health sciences field. "Dentist, or medicine or pharmacy.  So I'm between those three," says Hassen.

To learn more about BioSMART, and how Arlington High School students are sharing their science knowledge with younger students, click on the video link to the right.

(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)

By Kim Insley, KARE 11 News   Read Kim's Blog

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