For the second consecutive year, AT&T is contributing $28,000 to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) to provide local teacher grants in the 2016-2017 school year for the purpose of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education throughout the territory.
The Virgin Islands AT&T STEM grants will range from $250 to $5,000 and are open to professionals in the V.I. public school system to implement an innovative project in the classroom or school. 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 10 years, almost nine out of 10 new jobs will require education beyond a high school degree,” said Joe York, AT&T president — Florida, Puerto Rico and 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,” said York.
President Dee Baecher-Brown of CFVI said, “We are excited to once again receive this generous contribution from AT&T. Because of their support, V.I. 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; applications must be submitted to CFVI no later than Friday, Nov. 18. They 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.
