The Beckley Area Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. These funds are to be used for a specific arts-in-education initiative.
BAF will provide a special grant opportunity for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) projects: teaching and learning that integrates the arts into one or more of the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math).
The Foundation has enlisted the assistance of the Arts Section of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History in administering this exciting opportunity. STEAM education is a cutting edge approach to teaching and learning that fosters innovation, creative problem solving, flexible thinking, and risk taking – necessary skills of leaders in our rapidly changing global economy.
On Wednesday, May 9th, 2:00 p.m., in the Conference Center at Tamarack, there will be an informational meeting for teachers, school and organization representatives, and other interested parties who would like to know about the application process. BAF plans to award at least ten $5,000 grants, or more if there are approved requests for less than $5,000.
“We are trying to reach area arts organizations, artists and teachers regarding this exciting opportunity,” commented Susan Landis, executive director of BAF, as well as chair of the WV Commission on the Arts. “We know that there are many creative people who can implement wonderful projects with these grants.”
Educators in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering as well as those involved in performance and visual arts are encouraged to attend the May 9th meeting. Collaborative applications will be welcomed. Creativity and innovation are expected.
Applicants for these grants must be schools or organizations holding a 501-c-3 determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. Applications will be accepted from the BAF service area including Raleigh, Webster, Wyoming, McDowell and southern Fayette Counties.
BAF is branding this initiative as Full STEAM Ahead. Through this special opportunity, schools and organizations can create projects that intersect “A” (the arts) with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) thus helping West Virginia be a leader in a new economy.
Contact the Beckley Area Foundation if you have questions about the informational meeting, 304-253-3806 or [email protected].
