Grants Expand STEM Learning Opportunities

from the Community Foundation

https://www.cfrrr.org/grants-expand-stem-learning-opportunities/

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” That quote attributed to award-winning scientist and astronomer Carl Sagan can be interpreted in many ways. But it is certainly relevant today in describing a series of afterschool initiatives focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for students in Fredericksburg City schools.

The Community Foundation awarded two grants this year to support hands-on STEM enrichment for students enrolled in afterschool programs at Hugh Mercer Elementary and Walker-Grant Middle School. The grants are being administered by Christina Clark, Director of STEM Education and Innovation (STEM EIC), a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering children through transformative educational opportunities in afterschool settings. STEM EIC works to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

Christina highlights the significant value and impact of afterschool STEM programs. “They help equip our youth with essential skills and ignite a passion for STEM. They also prepare them for a dynamic future, while contributing to increased engagement and improved attendance,” she says. “Overall, these out-of-school-time programs deliver measurable benefits to both youth and their families.”

The first grant is from the Duff McDuff Green Jr. Fund, created through a bequest to The Community Foundation. Awarded in the fall of 2024, this grant already has enabled Hugh Mercer Elementary students enrolled in the afterschool Innovators Club to build simple machines and learn about projectile motion. 

“Our students formed teams and built ball launchers and catchers by using everyday items like rubber bands, paper clips, tape, cups, popsicle sticks and rulers to experience and understand the different types of motion and energy,” says Christina. “They also learned how to innovate, solve problems and change direction when things don’t go as planned. That’s all part of the learning process.”

The second grant is from the Haven Makes a Difference Fund and the Governors Row Fund for Teachers and Students. Designated for the afterschool STEM program at Walker-Grant Middle School, this award enables students to join the Innovators Club and participate in special brainstorming and problem-solving activities and competitions, including the Invent Virginia Expo and Technovation Girls Showcase.

“We’ve invented tools, created apps to detect pollution in the Rappahannock River, are now coding utilizing MIT App Builder and also learning how AI will impact the future workforce,” says Christina.

Last fall, Walker-Grant Middle School students helped pilot Project Brainy, which was created by the Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth at McLean Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. “Students made model brains, simulated concussion symptoms, and tested reactions to various stimuli. This integrated reading, literacy, social emotional intelligence and STEM skills,” adds Christina. “The whole thing was amazing and our kids absolutely loved what they were doing.” 

With more than two decades of experience in business, government, education and nonprofit organizations, Christina is passionate about the value of afterschool programs and their impact on students. She says the grants from The Community Foundation provide resources for supplies and field trips to blend fun, creativity, critical thinking and innovation with valuable hands-on learning experiences that eventually will serve as a pipeline to workforce development.

“As a STEM professional and mother of four, I know how important that time after school from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. can be in helping children focus their interests,” says Christina. “STEM programs like these at Hugh Mercer and Walker-Grant allow children to be naturally curious, explore possibilities, investigate careers options and begin to dream beyond their own classrooms and neighborhoods.”

SIDEBAR:

The Duff McDuff Green Jr. Fund, which is providing support to the STEM afterschool Innovators Club at Hugh Mercer Elementary, was created in 2009 through a bequest to The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. You can make plans to create a fund that will support people, organizations and causes most important to you. Contact The Community Foundation at info@cfrrr.org or call 540-373-9292 to learn about available options and steps you can take today to include an endowed fund in your estate plans.