Hillsborough Education Foundation receives AT&T grant

The Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair kicked off today at the Tampa Convention Center with nearly 1,500 projects from students in public, private, charter, home and virtual schools in Hillsborough County.

Students at Hillsborough County Public Schools will benefit from a statewide investment by AT&T this year, one that seeks to increase understanding of how classroom curriculum translates into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.

To provide a critical link from classroom to careers, AT&T is once again partnering with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in school districts across Florida. Real-world application of STEM education concepts, problem-solving and critical thinking skills will all be key elements of the 47 separate projects to be organized and funded through CFEF member local education foundations, including the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

The Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair is the largest event of its kind in Florida. As an avid STEM education supporter, the Hillsborough Education Foundation is partnering with Hillsborough County Public Schools to host this unique competition Feb. 8-10. Winners go on to compete at state and national levels. Students experience firsthand the creativity and perseverance required for high-level achievement, and guests have the opportunity to see future STEM leaders in action.

“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,” said Joe York, AT&T Florida President. “We are pleased to make this contribution because Florida’s K-12 education foundations are well positioned to be the link between schools and local businesses for students, enabling them to build connections with potential employers in their communities, get a sense of what careers they offer and the skill sets they require.”

Two additional CFEF contributors have followed AT&T’s lead to provide similar programs with local impact throughout Florida. The Motorola Solutions Foundation is funding 11 larger-scale projects through a competitive grant process. CenturyLink is funding 25 projects in their “Teachers and Technology Grant” initiative providing training and needed equipment to enhance digital learning in the classroom.

In Photo: Larry Plank, Hillsborough School District’s director of K-12 STEM education; Karen McAllister, AT&T spokeswoman; Phil Jones, Hillsborough Education Foundation president.