NEWBURYPORT — Newburyport public schools have become a prime example for strong science, math and engineering courses with the help of software normally reserved for colleges and the professional world.
"Engineers are the heart of innovation," said Dr. Barry Cohen, executive vice president of strategic services and partners at Parametric Technology Corp.
Cohen and John Stuart, senior vice president of education and global business partners, were honored yesterday at a reception hosted by Superintendent Kevin Lyons for their substantial donations that have padded the school system's science and math curriculum.
Parametric Technology, based in Needham since 1985, specializes in computer-aided design and three-dimensional software as well as other programs that help in product management and data exchange.
Committed to education, PTC has jump-started initiatives in 28 countries, encouraging 400,000 students to pursue careers in engineering, Stuart said. With programs in China, India, Russia and the United States, PTC uses Newburyport as a prime example of a community dedicated to technology and engineering in the middle and high schools.
"For us to represent our worldwide program well we needed exemplars in Massachusetts. Due to school leadership and committed teachers in Newburyport, you are our top example," Cohen said. "We use Newburyport as an example to school systems in other states and internationally; we are very proud of Newburyport."
Over the past seven years, PTC has donated modern software to the school system and cash that have been used to integrate engineering concepts into math and science classes to give students an understanding they otherwise would not experience.
"PTC tops the list of what makes Newburyport unique and special when I am visiting other school districts or cities," Lyons said.
Classes in the middle and high schools use Pro-Engineer software in the science labs, part of a push in the district to plant an interest in math and science in students and develop 21st century learning skills.
In recent years, NHS graduates have gone on to attend Georgia Institute of Technology, Virginia Tech and Rochester Institute of Technology.
"I say we are quietly making a difference," said Steven Smith, chairman of the high school's technology department. "We have a steady group we are sending out there."
At yesterday's meeting, Cohen and Stuart gave $2,500 to the school district to use at its discretion as a way of thanking the district for its commitment to technology in education.
PTC will continue to work with Newburyport to further develop the learning skills of students across the district through a possible three-way collaboration of the University of Massachusetts, PTC and the district.
PTC is also looking into expanding software offerings in the district to a mathematics program that could aid in engineering calculations.
"We are always trying to make more connections between math, science and engineering," curriculum director Angela Bik said. "If we can put the whole picture together for students, they can connect their strengths in math and science with a career in engineering."
PTC is a billion-dollar company with clients that include Nike, BAE Systems and Raytheon.
