Imagine launching a weather balloon to near space with Suns star Devin Booker’s face affixed, or recycling water bottles from a school cafeteria to make physical aids that help people suffering from arthritis. These are just two of the creative projects teachers across Arizona are using to help their students get excited about learning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
To help bring these innovative programs to life, Arizona K-12 teachers in public and charter schools in APS’s service territory can apply for STEM mini-grants for the 2017-18 school year through October 8.
For more than a decade, APS and the Phoenix Suns have partnered to promote STEM education in Arizona schools by offering mini-grants for hands-on projects. Grants of up to $2,500 each may be awarded, with a total of up to $50,000 available during the 2017-2018 school year. Since the program’s inception, APS and the Suns have gifted more than $500,000 to Arizona educators.
“We all remember that special teacher who was able to spark a love of learning within us, and we want to encourage educators to be that spark for today’s students,” said Tina Marie Tentori, APS Director of Community Affairs. “If a teacher has a STEM-focused project they have wanted to implement, but cost is a barrier, we want them to apply for this grant. APS is committed to inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM, and we know that a creative project – designed and led by a passionate teacher – can be life-changing.”
Teachers are invited to visit aps.com/corporategiving for program procedures, criteria and STEM mini-grants applications. They also will find a list of project summaries from the 2016-17 school year. Applications are being accepted online, and recipients will be notified of their application status by November 8. For more information, teachers may contact Mallory Lebovitz, APS corporate giving specialist, at (602) 250-2737 or by email at Mallory.Lebovitz@aps.com.
