George Rebane
Tofanelli’s in Grass Valley was again the venue for the annual TechTest Survivors’ Breakfast. 2011 is the fifth anniversary of TechTest (‘Where the Elite Compete’), the merit scholarship examination taken by a teacher-nominated group of select Nevada County high school seniors headed for careers in science and technology. TT is written and sponsored by the Sierra Environmental Studies Foundation, and is administered by a committee of Nevada County high school teachers chaired by Mr John McDaniel.
This year’s breakfast was well attended by ‘survivors’ (pictured here), parents, local educators, SESF board members, and contributors to the TT2011 merit scholarship fund. Scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of test scores (more here).
This year’s survivors are heading for universities and colleges ranging from Ivy League and West Point to California’s institutions of higher education. The breakfast allows everyone to share their plans and kibitz on their test experience – TT2011 was judged to be “a little easier” than previous editions, even though the top score was still about 60. As author of the tests, I am making special note of that. (Readers are invited to judge for themselves; past tests and solutions are available here.)
Also highlighted at the feed was SESF’s TechMentor program that supplies tutors and mentors to Nevada County schools. These volunteers act as a teachers’ resource to work with students who have special remedial or advanced studies needs. I wrote about this program in a recent Union column that provides more information if you are interested in helping our young people.
The plans for TT2012 include increasing the scholarship fund by inviting local businesses, especially the high tech companies, to contribute and get more involved with young people heading for technical careers. If you wish to participate in TechTest or TechMentor, please email me at nctechmentor@gmail.com .
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