NEWARK, NJ - A Bard High School Early College science teacher received a $1,000 grant to help develop science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming for students.

The Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit that works to expand scientific literally, STEM education and research, awarded the grant to Maria Agapito. She was one of 35 science teachers selected in the country by the society, which awarded a total of $120,000 in grants.

“As a teacher, we can only guide and nurture our students’ curiosity in the sciences,” Agapito said in a statement. “The key is to learn from our students as they examine their ideas into action. As a community, (it) is our responsibility to build diverse STEM leaders of tomorrow.”

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Agapito and other science faculty will use the $1,000 starter grant to create a multi-year science program for student research. Students who complete an initial project in their sophomore year will be enrolled in the year-round afterschool Einstein's Dreamers Research Program.

The $1,000 starter grant will help build the program. If it is successful, the magnet high school teacher will be eligible apply for a $4,000 grant next year to continue the plan.

The society's STEM Research Grant Program helps fund equipment and other materials needed for research projects. It also helps cover costs for students to travel so they can complete projects. Preference is given to teachers who work in low-income areas or serve underrepresented students, the organization said.

“Many teachers across the country are facing immense challenges obtaining the resources they need to purchase science equipment for their classrooms that can help engage their students and enrich their lessons,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the society, in a statement. “Through the STEM Research Grant Program, we are providing teachers with an opportunity to create meaningful STEM research experiences for their students.”

To date, the nonprofit has awarded $340,000 in grants to STEM teachers. The society also puts out several publications, including Science News and Sciences News for Students.





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