Nonprofit's STEM Education In Richmond Highway Corridor Gets Support

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — An effort to bring STEM education to underserved students in the Richmond Highway corridor of Fairfax County is getting a boost.

Nonprofit United Community's received a $30,000 grant from research institute Battelle to add STEM education to its annual summer camp known as Success through Purpose, Achievement, Respect, and Knowledge —or SPARKS. The summer camp for children ages 6 to 12 will include hands-on STEM activities in partnership with the Children’s Science Center and other activities at United Community's community centers. The Children’s Science Center, with support from United Community staff, will host events throughout the summer that aim to make STEM education fun.

The program is expected to help dozens of children in the Richmond Highway corridor.

"This generous grant will allow us to provide students with invaluable hands-on STEM experiences that will ignite their curiosity and fuel their aspirations," said Bryant Rice, United Community's interim president and CEO. "We are grateful to Battelle for their steadfast commitment to fostering STEM education and empowering underserved youth."

Battelle has provided support to United Community since 2009 and shares a goal of wanting to close a learning gap in underserved communities.

"In 2020, our CEO issued a challenge for us to use our philanthropic funds to reach 1 million students in STEM by 2025 with focus on engaging students and teachers in immersive programs," said Regina Schofield, director of corporate engagement and education outreach at Battelle. "I’ve enjoyed working with staff to find more pathways for students to strengthen STEM engagement and look forward to more growth in those programs as Battelle philanthropy strives to ensure that students have richer experiences with STEM."

SPARKS is United Community's program for youth with after school and summer camp. The program focuses on preventing negative behaviors, improving school achievement and attendance, learning new skills and more.