The Summit Educational Foundation (SEF) approved two grants totaling $876,742 that will bring SEF Innovation Labs to all elementary schools across the district for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.
The Summit Public Schools have championed STEAM programs across the district for several years. SEF has meaningfully contributed to these programs and initiatives to make sure that Summit students are on the cutting edge of education, giving them opportunities to acquire skills that will be applicable to their learning journey for years to come.
“We are so excited to support the Summit Public Schools in the creation of the SEF Innovation Labs,” said Maggie Baumann, Co-President of Summit Educational Foundation. “We know how important hands on learning is for elementary students, and support for creative, engaging and collaborative learning is central to SEF’s mission.”
Over the past 5 years, SEF has invested almost $900,000 into district science, tech, engineering, arts and mathematics programming and over $1 million to enhance the learning environment in classrooms across the district. The idea for the SEF Innovation Labs grew from the success of the Jefferson Elementary School STEAM lab that was created in 2018 with funding from SEF. Students at Jefferson have been able to take what they learn in science class and apply these concepts into hands on creative learning opportunities across all subjects.
Based on the success of the pilot program at Jefferson, the district developed plans to build innovation labs in all of the elementary schools and turned to SEF for help. One of the grants will fund furniture, 3D printers, and other needed classroom materials. The other grant will provide salaries for four full-time STEAM teachers. SEF will continue to partner with the district as they roll out additional STEAM initiatives over the next few years.
“We are especially thankful to the Summit Community for supporting SEF’s mission, because it is through the generosity of the residents, parents and businesses that we are able to support this initiative,” said Amy Burke, Co-President of Summit Educational Foundation.
To view a video about the SEF Innovation Labs, click here.
To learn more about Summit Educational Foundation or donate to support our cause, click here.
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