The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Innovation Fund has announced the winners of its inaugural grant cycle. A total of $25,000 has been awarded to nine schools and non-profit organizations in grants of up to $5,000 to support their innovative approaches to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education across Northern Virginia.
“The Innovation Fund was established to recognize and promote innovation and support programs that nurture inventiveness, creativity and new design throughout our communities,” said Eileen Ellsworth, president of the Community Foundation. “The grant-winning programs include an exciting array of initiatives that truly are preparing the region’s future workforce.”
Seed funding for the Innovation Fund was provided by the J.O.Y. Fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and by Steve Gladis Leadership Partners. The Innovation Fund’s 2013 Brain Trust includes entrepreneurs, technologists, STEM educators and philanthropists. They reviewed grant applications to select the nine winners.
“We were stunned by the variety of programs we saw throughout the application process,” commented Steve Gladis, CEO of Steve Gladis Leadership Partners and member of the Brain Trust. “From animal sciences to LEGO robotics, we have enjoyed seeing the innovative directions in which our community educators are fostering the education field.”
The winning organizations are as follows:
Arlington Public Schools (Arlington and Alexandria) – $2,400
To support a joint project that will train teachers in integrative teaching and learning in STEM project-based activities.
Chantilly Academy (Fairfax) – $950
To support the provision of electronics kits for Girls Exploring Engineering, which offers additional learning experiences to encourage young women in engineering.
Children’s Science Center (Northern Virginia) – $5,000
To support Museum Without Walls (MWOW) Mobile Labs Family Science Night with supplies and equipment for up to two interactive exhibits and ten hands-on activities to promote STEM learning.
Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) Club (Fairfax) – $680
To support the GEMS Club Initiative in public elementary and middle schools where girls explore STEM fields and careers through engaging activities and experiences.
HB Woodlawn (Arlington) – $2,700
To upgrade the Lego™ robotics class to the new highly engaging EV3 Lego™ Robotics platform, with the purpose of attracting more girls by diversifying the materials.
Girl Makers of Northern Virginia (Northern Virginia) – $1,000
To support a project in partnership with Mid-Atlantic Girls Collaborative, Nova Labs and Girls Excelling in Math and Science to expand “Take-Apart” day, which will expose girls to using tools and taking apart non-functioning equipment while building their confidence and interest in pursuing STEM classes and careers.
ReSet (Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax) – $5,000
To support hands-on, inquiry-based exercises and experiments for PreK–6th grade students to improve motivation, literacy and career interest in STEM subjects, as well as expand programming in Northern Virginia.
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center (Loudoun County) – $4,000
To support Animal Science Learning programs with experiential and exploratory learning activities for K-12th grade students in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Terra Centre Elementary (Fairfax) – $3,270
To support interdisciplinary activities during the summer STEM program reinforce learning through advanced, hands-on activities demanding critical thinking and use of technology.
The Community Foundation’s Annual Sweet Home Virginia Gala will be held October 25th 2013. Find more information about the event here.
