Local Science Center Receives Grant from Helios Education
Foundation
PHOENIX, Aug. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Arizona Science
Center has been awarded a $1 million
grant from Helios Education Foundation to expand its
support of students and education with the Arizona Science and
Engineering Fair. With this investment, the team aims to increase
the number of participants and communities within the state of
Arizona, with a lens of
inclusivity and accessibility.
Our partnership with Arizona Science Center
and the AzSEF 2.0 initiative represents a significant investment in
Arizona's youth, ensuring that
students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to explore,
learn, and excel in science and engineering.
Helios Education Foundation was established to support students
in achieving a postsecondary education, especially those in
low-income and underrepresented communities. For nearly 20 years,
Helios has invested in partnerships and initiatives in both
Arizona and Florida. With this grant from Helios, Arizona
Science Center plans to update and expand its current AzSEF program
over the next three years, naming the initiative AzSEF 2.0. The
goal of this expansion is to establish a system that encourages
Arizona's youth to be curious,
thinking critically about the world around them and enabling them
to build upon that curiosity to discover solutions for current and
future challenges.
AzSEF has become a staple for students in Arizona to showcase their knowledge and
expertise, as well as, demonstrate the importance of STEM
education. Since its inception, an average of 900 participants from
140 schools have taken part in AzSEF each year. AzSEF 2.0 will
build upon the foundation of AzSEF to grow the number of
participants and schools by providing educators with professional
learning opportunities to engage with peers, researchers, and STEM
professionals. Additionally, AzSEF 2.0 will provide support to
AzSEF alumni, connect teachers and students with mentors and
content experts, and provide scholarships for students to continue
their work in a post-secondary institution. The goal in the next
three years is to engage with a minimum of 2,100 additional
participants, 60 new teachers and 15 new communities.
"It is an honor to have received this grant from Helios
Education Foundation," stated Guy
Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona
Science Center. "Their mission to provide support and education to
students, especially those from underserved communities, is one we
are deeply aligned with. Arizona Science Center is constantly
seeking opportunities to bring STEM education to all of
Arizona's youth, and we are
excited to take on this new initiative to bring long-term success
to students across the state."
"Our partnership with Arizona Science Center and the AzSEF 2.0
initiative represents a significant investment in Arizona's youth, ensuring that students from
all backgrounds have the opportunity to explore, learn, and excel
in science and engineering," said Paul J.
Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. "By
expanding access and inclusivity, we're not just sparking curiosity
and critical thinking – we're giving students the tools they need
to tackle the challenges of tomorrow."
In addition to growing the AzSEF 2.0 program, this initiative
will also create opportunities to support students following their
participation in AzSEF. Many students have set goals for Arizona
Science Center, in hopes of obtaining even more support of their
projects. Some of the areas of support the Science Center plans to
expand on include finding materials and equipment for more testing,
access to mentors, coaches, engineers and experts; access to patent
lawyers and seed capital funding, and more.
For more information about Arizona Science Center and Arizona
Science and Engineering Fair, visit www.azscience.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Contact: Megan Sawyer,
megan@evolveprandmarketing.com
Contact: Kristina Celik,
celikk@azscience.com
About Arizona Science Center
Located in downtown Phoenix,
Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on
exhibits, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations,
traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center
offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP
INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults'
Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your
location–get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey
you'll never forget. To learn more or to reserve tickets, visit
azscience.org or call 602.716.2000.
About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation exists to support postsecondary
attainment for all students, especially low-income and
underrepresented communities, in Arizona and Florida. Driven by our fundamental beliefs of
community, equity, investment, and partnership, Helios has invested
more than $350 million in
partnerships and initiatives focused on improving third-grade
reading, college-going, and postsecondary attainment in the two
states we serve since 2006. To learn more visit helios.org.
Media Contact
Megan Sawyer, Arizona Science
Center, 1 6025013030, megan@evolveprandmarketing.com,
www.azscience.org
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SOURCE Arizona Science Center