Published in the Dec. 21, 2016 – January 3, 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By John Horner

John Horner

The long-term economic well being of Morgan Hill requires knowledgeable, passionate and scientifically literate workers and citizens. One way the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce supports the scientific engagement of our youth is through the annual All Morgan Hill Science Fair.

The next fair is once again being held at Oakwood School, 105 John Wilson Way, Thursday, Jan. 12. The competition is open to all Middle and High School Students living and/or going to school within the geographical boundaries of the Morgan Hill Unified School District. Students do not need to go to an MHUSD school. Students may enter individually or as part of two person teams. There is no fee for students to participate. Entry forms must be submitted to the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce no later than Jan. 4.

The application form with additional details can be accessed using this link: www.tinyurl.com/mhscience2017. Judging will take place Jan. 12 and students will need to be available on site from 3 to 5 p.m. that day to speak with judges. The event is open to the public from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

This year we will once again have two levels of competition, one for middle school students and another for high school students. Within each level the projects will be divided into four sections, one each for Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Behavioral Sciences and Physics/Engineering. First, second and third prizes will be awarded for each level and each section for a total of 24 prizes. Prize winners will receive cash and/or gift certificates from local appropriate merchants.

Your support in encouraging students to participate, volunteering as a judge and/or providing financial sponsorship to make this program happen would be most welcome. Please send me an email to [email protected] so that we can communicate about how you might participate.

Another major Chamber workforce development effort is our ongoing Rock the Mock job skills and interviewing training program for local high school students. This year we have already presented this program to all of the students at Central High School.

During January and February we will once again be on site at Live Oak and Sobrato high schools. Feel free to contact me if you would like to be involved in that project.
Rock the Mock was born out of local business people realizing that many of our young job applicants didn’t know what to expect, how to prepare and how to best represent themselves in a job interview situation. Our commitment to effective action has led to nearly 2,000 students experiencing Rock the Mock during the past five years and student surveys have consistently given the program 95 percent plus approval ratings.

Bringing different aspects of the community together to improve the skills of our youngest workforce entrants is critical to our long term prospects, and we are proud to be one small part of meeting this great need.

John Horner is the president and CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. You can reach him at (408) 779-9444.