POUGKEEPSIE - Congresswoman Sue Kelly today participated in the opening day of this summer's annual IBM EXCITE camp, a worldwide program that provides middle school girls an in-depth look at the numerous career opportunities available in the field of technology.

 

Kelly, a former math and science teacher, spoke to 60 middle school girls from the Arlington, Beacon, Pine Plains, Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls school districts and encouraged them to pursue their talents and interests in math, science, and technology.

 

"Technology is a diverse and rewarding field, and perhaps this camp will inspire you to become our engineers and mathematicians of tomorrow," Kelly told the students. "Math and science are not just subjects you take in school. The skills you develop in math and science can help lead you down a wonderful and fun career path in life."

 

The week-long IBM EXCITE program -- "Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering" (EXCITE) -- is now in its seventh year. The initiative is part IBM's effort to attract future generations of women into the tech career field. IBM runs the program at more than 40 sites around the world including Poughkeepsie.

 

"Congratulations on all your hard work and for being selected to participate in EXCITE Camp," Kelly told the students. "I hope you continue to discover the excitement of science and engineering and use your knowledge to build a very bright future."

 

Kelly also praised local IBM workers who have volunteered their time to develop, coordinate and oversee EXCITE Camp activities in Poughkeepsie. The participating students will gain exprience in web-page design, computer chip design, laser optics, animation, robotics, and working with computer hardware and software.

 

# # #