Amgen Foundation gives $30K for STEM curriculum development

WEST GREENWICH – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State recently received a $30,000 Amgen Foundation Grant to develop and implement a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curriculum into the mentoring agency’s site-based programming.
Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts programming at schools throughout Rhode Island.
Two Woonsocket schools, Kevin K. Coleman Elementary School and Citizen’s Memorial Elementary, were selected as model schools to test this new initiative, which paired Bryant University students with students in need of support, guidance and encouragement. In the future, the program will also take place at middle schools.
The students also will work with an experienced educator outside of the classroom to develop ideas to be used in a science project. They also will take a field trip to Amgen’s West Greenwich campus with their Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
“The curriculum began being implemented in January,” Site-Based Program Director Jennifer Krus said in a statement. “We’re so excited to be able to bring new and exciting ways for children to experience science and potentially inspire them to pursue STEM opportunities as career options as they grow.”
Said Anthony Pankau, vice president, site operations, Amgen Rhode Island, “The Amgen Foundation is committed to making grants to programs that help students develop an understanding and appreciation for science.”
Charlotte Boudreau, director of education and school linked services for Connecting for Children & Families, which runs the after-school program at the two elementary schools, said they are excited to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters STEM curriculum “to inspire tomorrow’s scientists.”

“BBBSOS has been partnering with Connecting for Children & Families since 2011 and continues to grow yearly. The mentors are a very motivated and dedicated group of students from Bryant University who help the children in our after-school programs in ways they don’t even realize. Through this Amgen Foundation Grant, we will be able to enhance the experience for both the students in our sites and the Bryant volunteer mentors. The grant itself will allow us to bring STEM providers into the schools that will help facilitate the growth of the mentoring relationship, as well as learning through exciting hands on activities,” Boudreau said.

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