Alfred State Professor offers vision of the intersection of education and economics
A OPINION by Mark Boxsom, Alfred Station
As an economist and a neighbor who cares deeply about our schools, I believe we need to build our future rural economy from the ground up. Many local institutions have had trouble finding new staff, and people who relocate here for positions don’t stick around very long. I believe we need to strategically target and recruit our young people, give them more reasons to stay or return.
We have incredible students in our K-12 system and outstanding local colleges and universities. We should mentor our young people early in their education and provide more opportunities for them to intern, apprentice, or shadow our hard-working community members. Homegrown teachers, nurses, police officers, and business owners are second to none. There’s no reason we couldn’t also attract our best and brightest doctors and engineers back to the area if we’re intentional about it and build those strong mentoring relationships before they leave for school. Our community needs strong local tradespeople, public servants, and professionals.
The economy and the world are changing around us, faster than many of us can comprehend. There is no manual for navigating a changing world, but we can take charge of our own destiny. I believe we do that by working strategically to keep our young people here.
*Mark Bloxsom is an Associate Professor in the Business Department at Alfred State College and lives in Alfred Station. He is running for a seat on the Alfred-Almond Central School District Board of Education.
