OUR IMPACT ON EDUCATION
Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. continues to be a leader in optics education over recent years with the support of two significant Foundation grants. Renovated lab space, new faculty, and other industry-leading curriculum improvements are a part of the school’s optics education strategy. School administrators believe the early support of the Foundation was key to their getting additional funding from the National Science Foundation and other sources. As of 2014, the college estimates that the program had a positive annual impact of more than $3.5 million on the Rochester-area economy.
Maine Regional School Unit 21
Foundation grants have helped the Maine Regional School Unit 21 significantly enhance STEM education for children at all grade levels. High school students gained access to the latest software for design and engineering classes; middle schoolers could use new sensors to help with data collection in the lab; and elementary students had new opportunities to learn through an engaging mathematics festival. Besides building math and engineering skills, the strategy helps students become engaged, confident problem-solvers.
Catawba Valley Community College
A new 80,000-square-foot Workforce Solutions Complex at Catawba Valley Community College will bring job-training opportunities to thousands of residents in western North Carolina. Foundation grants have helped the college purchase state-of-the-art equipment for a broad range of technical fields, including computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Industrial technology studies – like the latest in air conditioning, automotive systems, machining, and welding – are also part of the new program. The Workforce Solutions Complex will help the college build on its economic impact to the region, estimated at more than $260 million of added income per year.
“If we can help students get involved early in math and science, they’re likely to stay interested and build careers in technical fields. That’s good for them, and good for business as well.”
Rob France, Senior Vice President, Human Resources