July 2023 – United Community has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Battelle to support STEM education for underserved students. This grant is part of Battelle’s ongoing commitment to investing in the communities where its employees live and work and creating 1 million sparks for students to engage in STEM.
The grant from Battelle will empower United Community to deliver interactive and engaging STEM learning opportunities to youth through its annual Success through Purpose, Achievement, Respect, and Knowledge (SPARKS) Summer Camp for children ages 6-12. United Community will collaborate with the Children’s Science Center to create opportunities for students to explore hands-on STEM activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Battelle has been a contributor to United Community since 2009, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting underserved communities and creating equitable opportunities.
United Community’s SPARKS Summer Camp will impact the lives of dozens of children in the highly impoverished and under-resourced Route 1 Corridor Area in Alexandria. During the SPARKS Summer Camp, students will engage in a wide range of educational and recreational activities at both of United Community’s Community Centers. Supported by United Community camp staff, the Children’s Science Center will host events throughout the summer that combine education with fun, ensuring an immersive and enriching experience for all participants. This collaboration will support the shared goal of Battelle, United Community, and the Children’s Science Center to close learning gaps and prepare the next generation to be the leaders of tomorrow.
“It is gratifying when you can find organizations like United Community and the Children’s Science Center that have a commitment to serve under-resourced communities,” said Regina Schofield, Director of Corporate Engagement & Education Outreach at Battelle. “In 2020, our CEO issued a challenge for us to use our philanthropic funds to reach 1 million students in STEM by 2025 with focus on engaging students and teachers in immersive programs. I’ve enjoyed working with staff to find more pathways for students to strengthen STEM engagement and look forward to more growth in those programs as Battelle philanthropy strives to ensure that students have richer experiences with STEM.”
“United Community is so grateful for Battelle’s longstanding support,” said Bryant Rice, Interim President & CEO at United Community. “This generous grant will allow us to provide students with invaluable hands-on STEM experiences that will ignite their curiosity and fuel their aspirations. We are grateful to Battelle for their steadfast commitment to fostering STEM education and empowering underserved youth.”
Battelle’s grant to United Community exemplifies their dedication to closing the educational gap and nurturing young learners. By investing in STEM education, Battelle and United Community are driving innovation, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
About United Community
United Community is an over 50-year-old nonprofit offering an array of human services that lifts families in Fairfax County out of poverty. We engage community voice and family participation to break the cycle of generational poverty. Our mission is to build thriving communities and create equitable opportunities by providing supportive services and advancing community-driven solutions. Our vision is to end multigenerational poverty. To learn more, visit www.unitedcommunity.org
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