NEA Foundation $150,000 grant supports D6 STEM
The communities of Greeley and Evans are invited to learn about STEM programs and activities in Greeley-Evans School District 6 at the first STEM Symposium, to be held April 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at S. Christa McAuliffe K-8 STEM Academy.
STEM – which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math – is focused on project-based learning to enhance understanding of math and science concepts, and how those concepts are applied in the real world.
The STEM Symposium will feature student presentations of STEM work going on in several schools. Students will lead discussions of their projects and answer questions.
District 6 recently received a $150,000 grant from the NEA Foundation to support STEM programs and activities in schools. Members of the NEA Foundation Board of Directors and staff will be attending the District 6 STEM Symposium.
“STEM skills — including attributes like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork — are truly life skills,” says Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “The new Greeley-Evans’s K-12 science framework’s focus on cross-curricular, project-based learning encourages students to incorporate STEM learning not only in their academics and future careers but also in their daily lives. By investing in programs like these, and supporting local educators, the NEA Foundation helps to advance equitable learning opportunities for students in STEM sectors in Greeley and beyond.”
The NEA Foundation is supporting the implementation of the STEM Instructional Framework at eight District 6 Schools: Billie Martinez Elementary, McAuliffe STEM Academy, Brentwood Middle, Franklin Middle, Heath Middle, Prairie Heights Middle, Greeley Central High and Northridge High. Grant dollars have helped fund professional development for teachers, field trips and STEM materials used in project-based learning. The grant has focused on programs for students who are under-represented in STEM fields.
“We are grateful to the NEA Foundation for this grant, which will help us expand STEM programs and opportunities for students in several schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “We hope the community will join us April 12 to see the amazing work going on in our schools.”
The NEA Foundation is a public charity founded by educators for educators to improve public education for all students. Since its beginning in 1969, the Foundation has served as a laboratory of learning, offering funding and other resources to public school educators, their schools, and districts to solve complex teaching and learning challenges. The NEA Foundation believes that when educators unleash their own power, ideas and voices, then communities, schools, and students all benefit.