Society for Science & the Public awards $120K in STEM grants to 35 science teachers

Washington, D.C.– based Society for Science & the Public has awarded $120,000 in grants to 35 middle and high school science teachers in 23 states across the country to support STEM research activities in their classrooms. Each teacher will receive a grant of up to $5,000, the organization said in a press release.

We're excited to announce our #STEM Research Grant awardees! The grants awarded to these teachers will help inspire the next generation of scientists. https://t.co/lxBSW8nBBZ

— Society for Science (@Society4Science) February 21, 2019

The nonprofit offers one-time STEM Action and Research grants to educators who want to introduce new teaching methods for original STEM research projects. The release says teachers will use the funds for equipment like digital incubators and microscopes for experiments, computer software needed for advanced analyses, various lab kits, research-related costs and transportation in some cases. Grant preference was given to teachers serving low-income areas or underrepresented students.

“Many teachers across the country are facing immense challenges obtaining the resources they need to purchase science equipment for their classrooms that can help engage their students and enrich their lessons,” Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News said in a statement. “Through the STEM Research Grant Program, we are providing teachers with an opportunity to create meaningful STEM research experiences for their students.”

Of the 35 awardees, four hail from the DMV region. They are:

• Sean Brady from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md. – $4,000
• Gabrielle Ciarcia from EL Haynes PCS in D.C. – $5,000
• Julia Riley from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Va. – $5,000
• Gregg Stickler from Rising Sun High in North East, Md. – $3,000