Students at Leesburg High School are among those at three schools who will benefit from a statewide grant from the AT&T Foundation this year.
The grant seeks to increase understanding of how classroom curriculum translates into STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – careers. The other schools participating in the grant are Umatilla High School and South Lake High School.
For the 11th consecutive year, AT&T is working with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations 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.
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.
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 airplanes. Additionally, students are receiving classroom instruction to prepare for the FAA Flight Simulator certification exam.
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.
“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 of 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 11 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.
