Larry Bingaman, President and CEO of RWA, speaks to Common Ground students and staff.
On Tuesday, the Regional Water Authority officially adopted New Haven’s Common Ground High School, a unique learning environment on a 20-acre campus where students learn about local and global environmental issues.
This adoption signifies RWA’s commitment to mentoring and educating future leaders of the water utility industry.
“The RWA has enjoyed a mutually-beneficial partnership over the past several years with Common Ground,” Bingaman said. “We had sincere desire to formalize this partnership, and, at the same time, want to encourage local businesses to adopt a school as well. The learning opportunities for both the students and our staff are invaluable.”
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp attended and expressed her support of the partnership.
“By making this ongoing commitment to Common Ground students and pledging to support them with career exploration opportunities, grant funding, and resources for science education, you are investing in each family represented by these students and you are banking on their bright future – and that of this community,” Mayor Harp said.
The Mayor encourages other businesses to consider adopting a New Haven school as well.
“There’s no better way for employers to groom a workforce for tomorrow than to invest in student training today. If the Regional Water Authority needs future expertise in geology and hydrology and watershed management, then in my mind it shows wisdom and foresight for the RWA to invest in students enrolled at this school, where those experts are beginning to blossom. I believe the same is true in virtually every industry: let’s team up in these partnerships to ensure adequate training of young people in every respective field of study!”
