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Verizon Provides $100,000 Grant to Imagine Science Dallas
Grant will help fund collaborative program that brings STEM focused out-of-school time programming to Dallas youth in 2020
DALLAS (January 29, 2020) – We are happy to announce today a $100,000 grant from Verizon to help fund Imagine Science Dallas, a unique partnership that brings together the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, Dallas County 4-H Youth Development and the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to expose youth who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields to informal STEM education that can increase their interest and engagement in STEM. Verizon’s funding will provide programming focused on digital literacy, technology workforce development and STEM education to prepare more people for meaningful careers in the digitized workforce.
“Verizon remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities in order to improve social mobility,” said Darlene Brugnoli, Verizon Government Affairs. “Our mission is to open the door to opportunities for youth now and for generations to come. We are proud to partner in this collaborative effort to help expand Imagine Science Dallas.”
According to Imagine Science, by 2022 the U.S. will be short 1 million needed STEM professionals. Too few young people are pursuing STEM careers. Children from historically disadvantaged groups – children who live in under-resourced neighborhoods, youth of color, girls and children from low-income families – traditionally have less access than their peers do to STEM learning opportunities.
Imagine Science brings together four leading youth organizations to help bridge the STEM gap by igniting the imaginations of these historically underrepresented youth. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, Dallas County 4-H Youth Development, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas believe that prolonged, informal exposure to STEM increases a child’s interest and builds a foundation for proficiency through high school and beyond. Nationally, Imagine Science serves 18 million youth each year in every state in the nation and U.S. territories.
“Imagine Science is a terrific program the Y offers in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs, Girls Inc. and 4H,” said Curt Hazelbaker, CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Exposing STEM curriculum to kids with limited access opens their minds to career possibilities. It’s rewarding to see potential untapped when a young person has the ‘aha moment’ of what they are capable of.”
Imagine Science programs involve hands-on group activities to help kids work together to not only expose them to the fun side of science, technology, engineering and math and potential future career paths, but to problem-solve, share different ideas and perspectives, build confidence and be involved in an environment where they feel empowered to contribute and speak up about the ideas they are most passionate about.
“Our organization is committed to providing STEM education to those who need it most, especially youth from underserved communities,” said Charles English, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. “We are thankful to Verizon and our Imagine Science partners for their contribution to truly empower kids.”
“Girls Inc. is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for girls and young women. Too many girls, especially low-income girls, lack the opportunities to engage in STEM in a fun, safe and hands-on environment which is why Girls Inc. has included STEM programming for decades. Imagine Science gives Girls Inc. the opportunity to reach more girls and share STEM innovation amongst Imagine Science partners,” said Beth Myers, CEO of Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas.
“Texas 4-H recognizes the importance of promoting STEM projects and opportunities to the youth across Texas in our 4-H programs. We are poised to help prepare them for future careers in this dynamic and every-changing field,” said Denita Young, District IV Extension Program Specialist, 4-H Youth Development.
About Verizon. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $130.9 billion in 2018. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
About Imagine Science. In 2015, Imagine Science Dallas was one of three national pilots in which The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension 4-H and YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas joined in partnership to engage youth in STEM and STEM careers. Initially a summer program in two Pleasant Grove middle schools, Imagine Science has expanded to year-round programming, serving over 1,500 4th-8th grade students. Youth participate in themed activities from Entomology to Engineering with each session bringing a new adventure. To learn more, visit imaginesci.orgimaginesci.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Welsh
Allyn Media
214.871.7723