HARTFORD – There’s a special connection between the month when Sir Isaac Newton’s birthday is celebrated and the year Hartford kicks-off its 375^th Anniversary:  paying homage to history and looking ahead to a promising future that includes science.

In addition, today six Hartford Public High Schools were presented the Sir Isaac Newton Science Award— plaques complete with a symbolic apple— for their high science test scores and for their national recognition for overall academic achievement.

Staff and students from Capital Prep, Classical Magnet, Hartford Magnet Middle, Pathways to Technology, Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, and University High school of Science and Engineering were recognized. At the gathering some shared science projects and dreams of careers in math and technology fields.

Mayor Eddie A. Perez, who also serves on Hartford’s Board of Education, reemphasized a City priority— education and commended students for their achievements.

Research shows that in 10 years the biggest job growth areas will be in health, green technology and construction, and computer and scientific industries and urban communities will supply 30 percent of the State’s future workforce, according to the city’s press release.

That is why it is “essential that our students are prepared to contribute to the scientific discoveries of tomorrow,” Perez said.

Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center on behalf of the staff also praised the achievements of Hartford students, saying “Yours are the bright minds and the shining faces of the future of our community.”

Abul Islam, President and CEO of AI Engineers, who is building an engineering firm on Constitution Plaza and creating “Science Row” on Columbus Boulevard also shared praises for the city and its people. He said many in Hartford have ”helped set the City on the course of choosing the right road to take into the future,” and urged others to build on success that already exist.

WASHINGTON, D.C — Is economic relief in sight for working people?

Only time will tell.

President Barack Obama has signed three executive orders that he said would “reverse many of the policies towards organized labor that we’ve seen these last eight years.”

The orders he signed would require federal contractors to offer jobs to current workers when contracts change, and would make it more difficult for federal contractors to discourage union activities.

In addition, the Obama administration, through vice president Joe Biden, plans “to bring together those Cabinet members who have the greatest impact on the well-being of the middle class.”

The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27 in Philadelphia. The task force will look at issues as diverse as health care and college opportunities,  and will focus on “restoring the balance in the workplace,” Biden reportedly said.

The focus of the first meeting will be “green jobs, those jobs that pay well, can’t be outsourced and will help us move toward a cleaner, more self-sufficient energy future,” Biden  said.

In addition, more  monthly meetings will be held across the country to discuss concerns of working people like child care, workplace safety and retirement security, Biden said.

–Charmain Hall

HARTFORD — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $2 million grant to the state’s 12 community colleges to help train students for “green jobs.”

The state joins a nation-wide effort in the quest to prepare a workforce with the skills needed to enter careers in growing fields of employment.

The fund will go toward educational programs in automotive technology, clean water and energy efficient operations and renewable and alternative energy.

The core curriculum will modify existing college courses to build basic academic and technical skills within sustainable operations, according to community college officials. Occupational specialty courses will be adapted or developed by individual colleges with input from business leaders.

“Preparing students to enter Connecticut’s Knowledge Economy with the education and skills needed to succeed is a primary focus,” said Marc Herzog, chancellor of the Connecticut Community College System.

Courses will be modified or developed with input from business leaders, and a sustainable operations certificate program will be offered.

The program will also offer tuition assistance.

–Charmaine Hall