Verizon has been selected for Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award (CBRA) for the 2015-2016 school year. CBRA, once known as the Partners in Education Award, recognizes businesses’ commitment, creativity and innovation in bringing about positive change to schools and school districts. Verizon will be recognized at The Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2016 Annual Education Solutions “Learners to Earners” Summit. The summit will take place on June 2nd at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate, beginning at 9 a.m.
During the 2015-2016 school year, Verizon invested in two innovative projects that enabled SCPS to better prepare students for jobs in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industries. The significant demand for STEM-educated workers has been well documented in recent years, and a 2014 report found that the STEM job market is even larger than had been reported previously. Verizon funding provided students more exposure to STEM fields, and offered students hands-on project-based learning opportunities that will help increase their interest and achievement in STEM.
A $20,000 Innovative Learning Grant by Verizon was awarded to Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering and Technology in order to invest in 3D printers and scanners for their robotics lab, as well as professional development for educators on the growing trend of 3D technology. Another $10,000 grant was awarded to The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools for “Girls Discovering STEM Connections”. This project was geared at increasing the number of female students who choose to enroll in high school programs that are traditionally selected by males.
“We’d like to thank Verizon for all that they do to support our students and for making a positive difference in education in our community! We are lucky to have them as a business partner and I applaud their investment into our children and future leaders of tomorrow” said Dr. Walt Griffin, Superintendent, SCPS.
The CBRA awards are a program of the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation.