CFVI Receives $28,000 Contribution From AT&T to Promote STEM Education

For the second consecutive year, AT&T is awarding a contribution of $28,000 to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands to provide local teacher grants in the 2016-2017 school year to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education throughout the territory, CFVI announced Monday.

The Virgin Islands AT&T STEM grants will range from $250 to $5,000 and are open to professionals in the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system to implement an innovative project in the classroom or school, according to the release. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis for projects that seek to improve student achievement in STEM fields, with priority given to proposals where students are directly involved in the project. Project descriptions should be clear and well organized and a realistic budget must be provided. Activities should improve student learning and outcomes should be measurable and substantive.

“We know that industries engaged in STEM disciplines will create a majority of high-value, high-wage jobs and within ten years, almost nine out of ten new jobs will require education beyond a high school degree,” stated Joe York, AT&T president Florida, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands. “AT&T and our employees have a commitment that is deeply rooted in our culture to strengthening communities by advancing education opportunities. An educated workforce is critical to the future success of the U.S. Virgin Islands, our nation and the success of our company as well.”

CFVI President, Dee Baecher-Brown, stated, “We are excited to once again receive this generous contribution from AT&T. Because of their support, VI teachers were able to provide enriching STEM opportunities for our students in the Territory during the 2015-2016 school year.”

Applications for the 2016 U.S. Virgin Islands AT&T STEM Grants are available now and must be submitted to CFVI no later than Friday, November 18, 2016. Applications can be submitted through an online portal located at cfvi.fluidreview.com. Successful applicants must agree to submit a brief written report, receipts for expenditures and, if possible, visual documentation, on the use of the grant at the end of the grant cycle.