STEAM in MNPS
NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR, THE GRANT RECEIVED 40 APPLICATIONS REQUESTING FUNDS TO INTRODUCE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CLASSROOM TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND OPEN NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR NASHVILLE-AREA CHILDREN
Dell Nashville, one of the largest tech employers in the region providing Nashvillians industry jobs and opportunities since 1999, is pleased to announce the recipients of its second STEAM Innovation Grant.
Working in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), Dell received 40 applications from MNPS middle school teachers and administrators this grant cycle-a significant increase from the first grant cycle awarded in March 2018.
Two MNPS middle schools have been selected to each receive $5,000 grants to enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and math learning in the classroom. The grant recipients are:
- Antioch Middle School STEAM Classroom
- Croft Middle Design Center Zoology/STEAM class
The grants will be used by each school to boost programs and workshops, including by using funding to acquire additional tools. Antioch's STEAM classroom, for example, proposes to use the funds to purchase 3-D woodcarvers that will allow students to design items to be auctioned during their STEAM Night. Croft proposes to use the funds to purchase tablets that students will use to create a video series at the nearby Nashville Zoo-promoting STEAM learning and environmental awareness and stewardship.
The recipients of the grants were chosen by an impartial panel composed of community business and nonprofit leaders. Dell Nashville did not take part in the selection process.
“MNPS' work with STEAM education is enhanced with strong partners like Dell who help schools with resources that support innovative instruction and opportunities for students,” said Dr. Shawn Joseph, MNPS director of schools. “We thank Dell for their support and congratulate Antioch and Croft Middle Schools. These funds will help further drive our STEAM focus in preparing students for college and career.”
STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math, prepares students for high school, college and career with relevant, hands-on class work. In a STEAM learning environment, students are challenged to think critically, be creative, and communicate and collaborate with their peers.
The first cycle of the Dell STEAM Innovation Grant received 11 applications and selected four winners with each receiving $2,500: Margaret Allen Middle Prep, East Nashville Magnet Middle School, Apollo Middle School and Donelson Middle School.
“Dell believes that technology offers innovative ways to expand education and empower the next generation,” said Dell Nashville site director Nikki Gibson. “We were thrilled to see so many MNPS middle schools show interest in the grant opportunity this cycle. We remain committed to increasing opportunities for students in Nashville through this grant and other youth learning initiatives and thank MNPS for their partnership in helping us leave this legacy of good.”
Dell was one of the first industry leading, high tech companies to establish a major hub in Nashville. Since 1999, Dell has opened its doors to the community through technology awareness education and coding camps, providing opportunity for area youth to become interested in STEAM. Through grant funding, volunteering and support for local nonprofit partners, Dell believes that technology is a powerful tool for opening new possibilities for children around the world.
MNPS' mission for STEAM is to inspire every student, every day, through STEAM education, and ensure student achievement through collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.
Grant funds will be distributed by the end of 2018 with funds to be exhausted by the end of the 2018/19 school year. Teachers and administrators for each school will be responsible for the allocation of the funds.
BOILERPLATE
Dell EMC
Dell EMC, a part of Dell Technologies, enables organizations to modernize, automate and transform their data center using industry-leading converged infrastructure, servers, storage and data protection technologies. This provides a trusted foundation for businesses to transform IT, through the creation of a hybrid cloud, and transform their business through the creation of cloud-native applications and big data solutions. Dell EMC services customers across 180 countries - including 98 percent of the Fortune 500 - with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from edge to core to cloud.
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Metro Nashville Public Schools is one of the nation's top 50 largest school districts, preparing 88,000 students for higher education, work and life. With the goal of being the first choice for Nashville families, Metro Schools is committed to #ExceedingGreatExpectations with the mission of delivering a great public education to every student, every day. The district is earning a national reputation for urban school reform, social and emotional learning and rising academic achievement. The governing body for Metro Schools is the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education, a nine-member elected body. For more information, visit MNPS.org/news, or follow us on Twitter @MetroSchools or Facebook /MetroSchools.