Students at South Lake High School, Umatilla High School and Leesburg High School will benefit from a statewide grant from the AT&T Foundation this year, one that seeks to increase understanding of how classroom curriculum translates into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.
For the 11th 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 are key elements of the 35 separate projects to be organized and funded through Consortium member local education foundations, including the Education Foundation of Lake County.
South Lake High School’s project, “EKG Technician Industry Certification Launch,” will train students so they can achieve certification to become an Electrocardiograph Technician. The students will have virtual sessions with a nurse educator from South Lake Hospital to supplement training from their school instructor.
Umatilla High School’s project, “Soaring to the Clouds,” involves weekly meetings at the Umatilla Municipal Airport where EAA Chapter 1632 members work alongside the students to assemble airplane. Additionally, students are receiving classroom instruction to prepare for the FAA Flight Simulator certification exam.
Leesburg High School’s project, the March 2021 “Lunar Festival,” will involve multiple STEM stations where students will facilitate rocketry, solar energy, STEM chemistry and toy design using a 3D printer at the stations. The event is intended to bridge families and schools by providing hands-on learning activities that supports the instructional goals of STEM with a 21st Century real-world application.
“Offering immersive learning environments is the best way to help students get a head start on pursuing their career dreams,” said Carman Cullen, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County. “We are grateful to AT&T, the AT&T Foundation and the
Consortium for this generous gift that will help open doors for so many students in our community.”
“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 the AT&T Foundation over eleven years to more than $1 million. More than 75,000 students have been directly impacted through 469 projects involving 932 local workplace partners in 53 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.”
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About the Education Foundation of Lake County
Established in 1987, Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools. Education Foundation of Lake County is ranked among the Top 50 Education Foundations in the United States by the Caruthers Institute. For more info, please visit EdFoundationLake.com.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
Our society doesn’t work if it doesn’t work equally for all. We recognize that inequalities are pervasive and we have a role to play in helping to address them. That’s why we’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives, particularly amongst historically underserved populations. We have a long history of investing in projects that promote academic and economic achievement and addressing community needs that promote social justice and racial equality. With a financial commitment of $600 million through AT&T Aspire since 2008, AT&T has leveraged technology, relationships and social innovation to help give people – regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic status – the opportunity to succeed.
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.
