Submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
The Verizon Foundation is donating $10,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, in keeping with its commitment to integrate technology in education to enhance learning and support organizations that spark student interest in STEM fields.
The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Wireless dedicated to solving critical social issues in the areas of education, healthcare and energy management particularly in underserved communities. This grant funding will provide much needed support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County’s Science Exploration Series program in the 2015-2016 academic year.
The Science Exploration Series, a monthly, hands-on learning experience is led by Saint Martin’s University students and faculty and connects Club kids to new trends, topics and fun associated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Youth are exposed to potential STEM-related careers while becoming familiar with a local university in their own backyard.
“I like going there and having a whole new perspective on things like what ‘pi’ is or learning how math is all around us. I liked the rocket project and using coordinates and angles to get the best launch,” said Club member, Alexandria. The kids aren’t the only ones thrilled with the partnership. Our Tumwater Club’s Education Coordinator Kaila Rants says, “I appreciate that these SMU student groups have worked hard to find projects that engage the kids and keep them thinking. They are using knowledge gained in school and building on that knowledge to complete fun projects.”
In 2015 the Science Exploration Series served 40 kids from BGCTC’s Lacey, Olympia, Rochester, and Tumwater branches and will continue in the fall.
