Students in Keystone Heights and Orange Park 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 the Clay Education Foundation, with two projects to receive funding.
“The Clay Education Foundation realizes that career ready students possess a strong foundation in problem- solving, critical and design thinking, as well as exposure to STEM skills that will help them to be future-ready and competitive for college and career options,” said Makayla Buchanan, Executive Director, Clay Education Foundation. “This project helps lay the foundation for getting students engaged in STEM education from an early age through exposure to emerging technologies and those already being used in the field. Our hope is that by building these talent pipelines, we will eventually be able to push into the high schools with the goal of increasing the number of students to receive in-demand STEM certificates.”
Thus, two sets of schools – Keystone Heights Elementary and the Junior/Senior High School, as well as, Grove Park Elementary and Orange Park Junior –will develop and implement student career pathways leading to the skills and dispositions required for success in these STEM-rich careers that are of critical need for the health of our overall economy. Students will be engaged in learning about high- demand careers while developing the underlying skills in science and math and will apply their learning in the school day. Kindergarten through eighth grade students will have the opportunity to hear from and work with industry experts through a partnership with Northeast Florida STEM2Hub and the local business community through the Woz Education cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and drone technology pathways during school.
“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 the 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.”
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.
