For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, December 22, 2021
Enhanced Online News (EON)
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Receives AT&T Grant for
Students to Experience ‘STEM@Work’
Fort Myers, Fla (December 22, 2020) Students in the grades K-5 in The School District of Lee County will benefit from a statewide investment by AT&T this year, one that seeks to increase understanding of how classroom curriculum translates into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.
For the 10th consecutive year, AT&T is working with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in school districts across Florida through “STEM@Work.” Real-world application of STEM education concepts, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills will all be key elements of the 42 separate projects to be organized and funded through Consortium member local education foundations, including The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
During the Spring of 2020, while area schools were transitioning to distance learning plans, the School District of Lee County and Florida Gulf Coast University’s Whitaker Center for STEM Education collaborated on a pilot program that provided one-hundred fifty (150) “Do it yourself” STEM kits to students at Tortuga Preserve Elementary School – a Title I school in Lehigh Acres, Florida. The STEM kits were intended to supplement home science instruction with fun and engaging hands-on activities.
This project proposal, STEM Kits for STEM Cadets, will provide 400 “Do it yourself” STEM kits to elementary students in eighteen (18) classrooms across Lee County schools. The STEM kits will be used to increase student engagement and interest in STEM activities and motivate recipients to participate in regional STEM competitions.
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools will use the requested funds to purchase STEM kit materials. School District of Lee County staff and Florida Gulf Coast University staff and students will then assemble and distribute the STEM kits to elementary students from Face to Face and Lee Home Connect (i.e., at home, full-time online learning) learning models across eighteen (18) classrooms in Lee County schools.
In addition to the STEM kits, Florida Gulf Coast University students will provide virtual mentorship opportunities to students that would like to enter a STEM project into an upcoming regional STEM competition, such as the Suncoast Credit Union Elementary Science Expo in May 2021.
“Industries engaged in STEM disciplines will create many of the high-value, high-wage jobs of tomorrow, and we also know that many jobs today – and even more tomorrow – will require education beyond a high school degree,” said Joe York, President, AT&T Florida. “The Consortium and other organizations are key to ensuring that young people are exposed to educational and skills development opportunities to prepare them for success in their careers.”
This year’s statewide grant brings the total investment by AT&T over ten years to nearly $1 million. More than 75,000 students have been directly impacted through 476 projects involving 950 local workplace partners in 51 school districts throughout Florida.
“When I think back on my school years, the times I got to do something hands-on and outside the classroom are my strongest memories and some of those experiences influenced my career path,” said Mary Chance, president of the Consortium. “We are so grateful that AT&T continues to see the value of giving students experiences that allow them to experience how math and science are applied in careers through STEM@Work.”
To learn more about AT&T’s Parentship over the year click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVFcJwsEsX0&feature=youtu.be
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities, and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. The company’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $500 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships, and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
About the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations:
The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium maximizes the individual and collective strength of Florida local education foundations to support local partners and schools. The Consortium has 64 member foundations with 1,100 business and community leaders serving as volunteer board members. Collectively, they raise nearly $83 million annually to support students, teachers, and schools through a variety of programs. The Consortium has provided nearly $55 million to local education foundations since 2001 through various private- and public-sector partnerships, including the State of Florida School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program.
For more information contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq 239-337-0433 or Marshall@leeschoolfoundation.org
Mary Chance 352/338-0250 or marychance@cfef.net