INK! receives AT&T Foundation grant for students to experience 'STEM@Work'

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Jan. 11, 2021 - PRLog -- The St. Johns County Education Foundation which operates as INK! (Investing in Kids), has an ongoing mission to provide innovative programs and classroom resources to promote the academic success of students in the St. Johns County School District, Fla. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was recently honored with funding for students at Allen D. Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and Creekside High School in St. Johns, Fla. The schools will benefit from a statewide investment by the AT&T Foundation this year, one that seeks to increase understanding of how classroom curriculum translates into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.

Specifically, the $2,000 funding for each school will include program administration by INK! and student scholarships in the ACE Mentor Programs for students with disciplines in architecture, construction and engineering (ACE), and exploration of potential careers in these fields. Mentors from local industry professional firms and related companies will meet with students for two hours once a week for 20 weeks. During the sessions, students are presented with a request for proposal (RFP) and work in teams to create hands-on, practical solutions for real-world projects. For more information, view the video at AT&T 2020-21 STEM@Work Grant Awards.

For the 11th consecutive year, AT&T is working with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in school districts across Florida through "STEM@Work."

"Industries engaged in STEM disciplines will create many of the high-value, high-wage jobs of tomorrow. We also know that many jobs today and, in the future, will require education beyond a high school degree," said Joe York, President, 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."

"When I think back on my school years, the times I got to do something hands-on and outside the classroom are my strongest memories. Some of those experiences influenced my career path," said Mary Chance, president of the Consortium. "We are so grateful that the AT&T Foundation continues to see the value of giving students experiences which allow them to experience how math and science are applied in careers through STEM@Work."

INK! provides innovative resources to support academic success for all St. Johns County public schools. The office is located at 1 Christopher St. in St. Augustine. For more information, contact Donna Lueders at 904-547-7120 or email Donna.Lueders@stjohns.k12.fl.us. Visit the website at www.ink-stjohns.org.