Bosch Supports STEM Education With $35k Grants To Detroit Public Schools
FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) -- The Bosch Community Fund's Bosch Energy, Science and Technology Project has donated $35,000 to 26 Detroit Public Schools teachers to fund projects to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics instruction in the district.
In addition, the BCF is providing a $10,000 grant to support DPS's Go Green Challenge, a voluntary program that encourages school "green teams" to engage in a wide range of sustainability initiatives in energy and water conservation; resource use and recycling; and gardens and nutrition. Sixty-two DPS schools are competing to earn prizes and cash awards.
Bosch officials said the grants are intended to help meet the future needs for people trained to take jobs in the STEM fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2018, there will be 274,000 new jobs in STEM fields in Michigan.
"STEM education is imperative to Michigan and the nation's future economic growth," said Kathleen Owsley, executive director of the Bosch Community Fund. "Bosch seeks to support schools that promote STEM, in ways that foster excitement among students for these fields. Only about 26 percent of Michigan high school students are interested in STEM, according to STEMConnector.org. The more we can do to provide resources to schools, the greater the opportunity teachers will have to make a positive impact on students' curiosity. We want students to understand the types of high-tech, good-paying jobs these fields offer. We were impressed with the innovative ideas submitted by the teachers and look forward to positive results from the work that they will do with their students."
This year's grants support teacher-submitted projects that range from building a remotely operated vehicle that can function in a submarine environment to creating a robotics program for elementary school students to erecting a rainwater irrigation system for rooftop gardens. Teachers from the following schools will receive funds toward their project:
• Spain Elementary-Middle – Ivy Bailey
• Thurgood Marshall Elementary – Krystal Bolar
• Thurgood Marshall Elementary – Yolanda Portis
• Munger PreK-8 – David Boye
• Ann Arbor Trail Magnet – Sakina Burch
• Ronald Brown Academy – Jennifer Edwards
• Ronald Brown Academy – Kathy Sergeant
• Gompers Elementary-Middle – Pamela Green
• Dixon Educational Learning Academy – Loretta Hall
• Hutchinson Leadership Academy – Penelope Johnson
• Carstens Elementary-Middle – Michele Kaseta-Collins
• Neinas Elementary – Amy Lazarowicz
• Mark Twain Elementary-Middle – Wendell Massey and Zenola Brandon
• Carleton Elementary – Paula Odom
• Emerson Elementary-Middle – Kunyan Vyas
• Bates Academy – Dyan Wardwell
• Carver STEM Academy – Agatha Gordon
• Pulaski Elementary-Middle – Karanji Kaduma
• King High School – Jennifer Boyle
• Osborn Collegiate Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Camilia Gligor
• Osborn Evergreen Academy of Design and Alternative Energy – Kristina Peart
• Cass Technical High School – Denise Rivers
• Detroit Institute of Technology College Prep High School at Cody – Chad Segrist
• Communication and Media Arts High School – Sharon Tuinukaufe
• Renaissance High School – Kerry Williams
The BEST program began as a way to encourage and develop student learning about science, technology and the environment. Teachers are asked to submit a project proposal that outlines their goals and objectives, and the impact it will have on the school, their students and/or community, in both the short and long term. The winners are chosen by a committee of community members and Bosch associates. BEST was founded under the Bosch Community Fund, which grants up to $3 million annually, providing further support for charitable and community efforts within the U.S., with a focus on science, technology and environmental initiatives.
The Bosch Community Fund, a U.S.-based foundation established in September 2011, awards up to $3 million annually in grants and contributions to various 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions. The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of STEM education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.
