Science ATL Receives International Paper Foundation Grant
Originally published by Science ATL
Science ATL Inc. has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the International Paper Foundation. Funds will support Science ATL’s programs to strengthen youth engagement and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The grant will support the Atlanta Science Festival and expand the Chief Science Officers leadership program and Passport to Science.
The Atlanta Science Festival reaches more than 50,000 people annually with two weeks of exciting events at venues across metro Atlanta. At more than 100 events during this year’s Festival from March 6-21, 2020, adults and children alike will meet newts and bees, practice yoga with elephants, hike trails, write code, taste coffee, dig for bones, and discover the science behind roller derby. Representatives from International Paper will showcase the science and technology behind their business at an exhibit booth during the Festival’s free grand finale event: the Exploration Expo at Piedmont Park on March 21.
“With support from International Paper, we are continuing to bring people together through the wonder of science,” said Jordan Rose, co-founder and executive co-director of Science ATL. “It is so important that young people in our community have opportunities to interact with science and engineering professionals at companies like International Paper, recognizing that there are STEM jobs available right here in our backyard.”
The grant will further broaden access to science learning opportunities for disadvantaged communities through Science ATL’s Georgia Chief Science Officers (CSO) and Passport to Science programs. The CSO program empowers middle and high school student leaders to create change in their communities, enhancing STEM awareness and engagement among their peers. As CSOs, students are starting robotics teams and coding clubs, building outdoor classrooms and community food pantries, establishing school recycling programs and hosting family STEM nights at schools throughout metro Atlanta.
Additional support will pilot a family science activity passport in conjunction with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. The passport encourages youth to engage with STEM by providing specific ideas for ways and places they can interact with STEM in their homes and neighborhoods. These programs not only to remove perceived barriers about who does science, but also connect youth to the fundamental role STEM plays in their own lives and in the health and prosperity of our region.
The International Paper Foundation is one of the ways International Paper strives to reach its vision to be among the most successful, sustainable, and responsible companies in the world. Started in 1952, the foundation annually provides millions in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Funding priority is given to programs related to its signature causes: education, hunger, health and wellness, disaster relief, and initiatives that improve the planet. For more information, visit ipgiving.com.
“On behalf of the six International Paper facilities in the Atlanta metro area, we are proud to support Science ATL and their mission to improve access to science learning opportunities in our communities,” said Louis Salters, Manufacturing Manager, Tucker Preprint, North American Container, International Paper. “Their programs are a great way to connect thousands of children and families in our community to STEM learning.”
About Science ATL
Science ATL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together through the wonder of science. The mission began in 2014 with the Atlanta Science Festival, co-founded by Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. This annual two-week event, presented by Delta Air Lines, has brought science programming to more than 200,000 people in metro Atlanta. Additional Science ATL initiatives and events increase public interest in and appreciation of science in Atlanta with easy access points to science, technology, engineering and math throughout the year.
