students as civic-minded, globally aware citizens. Dr. Joseph DiBacco, Superintendent of Schools, passionately articulates the district’s philosophy: “Our overall goal is to create very civic-minded, well-rounded citizens ready for the global economy. We want to prepare good citizens and community stewards, willing to give back, work hard, and be part of the global marketplace.” This vision is being realized through a dynamic curriculum that adapts to the shifting needs of the workforce, ensuring students are equipped with relevant skills and experiences. A significant aspect of this vision involves creating career pathways tailored to local and global demands. Dr. DiBacco explains,“We’re shaping our curriculum to meet the changing needs of the workforce in Connecticut. We have programs with South Korea where our students do projects overseas. They will participate in a STEM science fair in South Korea this year.” These international collaborations give students a global perspective, which is essential for succeeding in today’s interconnected world. Embracing its historical manufacturing roots,Ansonia Public Schools is reviving and modernizing this legacy through practical, hands-on learning experiences. “Ansonia has a rich manufacturing history,” Dr. DiBacco shares.“By creating career pathways, we’re bringing our history back to life. Students are now doing internships at places like Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company and Farrel Pomini, connecting our historical manufacturing background with modern industry needs.” This initiative, which he dubs “Ansonia 2.0,” bridges the past with the future, offering students valuable opportunities to engage with prestigious companies and gain real-world experience. COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS INTEGRATION Ansonia Public Schools is spearheading a collaborative approach that bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring students are wellprepared for their future careers. Dennis Proto, the School to College and Career Outreach Advisor, is pivotal in this effort. “In Ansonia Public Schools, I handle community-toschool networking, business-to-school networking, 325 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 ANSONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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