Seven area schools awarded STEM grants
Posted on March 3rd, 2005

Peoria, Illinois -- January 13, 2005 – Seven area schools have been awarded the first Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) grants for projects designed to enhance science, technology, engineering, or mathematics curriculum for students in grades K through 12. A total of $20,000 was granted.

The STEM grant program is an initiative funded as part of the National Science Foundation's Partnerships for Innovation grant received by Bradley University in November 2003 to implement three key action items in Peoria NEXT's strategic plan. The strategic plan calls for the development of innovative and aggressive educational and workforce development programs.

"Enhancing curricular innovations in the sciences, math and technology for area school children is integral to developing the workforce for tomorrow. This initiative combined with the development of the resource clearinghouse for K-12 educators are important steps in preparing students for a knowledge-based economy in central Illinois, " said Dr. Stan Liberty, Bradley Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Leader of Peoria NEXT's Research/Education/Innovation Team.

The funded projects are:

• Norwood Elementary School, Norwood District #3
  Modular Program in Earth and Physical Sciences
  $4000
  Denise Ryder, Becky Jaramillo, and Meredith Brooks
  
  
• Broadmoor Junior High School, Pekin District #108
  Technology Integration into Daily Math
  $1,100
  Eileen Roberts
  
  
• Roosevelt Magnet School, Peoria CUSD #150
  Courtyard Discover Learning Sculptures
  $5,000
  Valentine Walker
  
  
• Holy Family Parish School, Diocese of Peoria
  Challenger Project for Space Science Education
  $3,800
  Julie Gibbons McArdle
  
  
• Harrison Primary School, Peoria CUSD #150
  Increasing Student Reading Fluency Via Science and Social Studies Knowledge Acquisition
  $3,746
  Jaynene Dellitt, Sarah Bidne, Elizabeth Johnson, Christy Engel, and Jennifer Harrmann
  
  
• St. Mark School, Diocese of Peoria
  Science Laboratory Activities Development
  $1,042.97
  Susan K. Tony
  
  
• Limestone Walters CCSD #316
  Enhancement of Computer Skills with Senior Citizen Buddies
  $1,310.53
  Katie Robinson
  
  CLICK HERE to read more about these projects