NEWARK, N.J. and MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Panasonic announced the Panasonic Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), has allocated four $25,000 Challenge Grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing STEAM education in Newark, N.J. The select recipients of this funding are After School All Stars, the Trust for Public Land, Students 2 Science, and Liberty Science Center.
With funding from the Challenge Grants, the select nonprofit partners will continue to advance and develop accessible STEAM education programs with the goal of improving education and workforce outcomes for Newark students.
“We are thrilled to award Challenge Grants to nonprofits dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders. These grants underscore our commitment to fostering accessible STEAM education, propelling Newark students toward brighter educational and workforce opportunities,” said Alejandra Ceja, Vice President of Social Impact and Inclusion at Panasonic.
Through the forthcoming STEAM CEO Initiative, After School All Stars aims to fortify career exploration by providing over 2,000 middle and high school students with experiences that inspire long-term career planning in STEAM professions.
The Trust for Public Land will implement a STEAM curriculum with 7th and 8th graders at Lincoln School that will leverage the ongoing construction of the playground as a unique learning resource. Slated for implementation in the spring of 2024, the curriculum will prepare these students for careers in the STEAM workforce of the future.
With support from the Challenge Grant, Students 2 Science will provide programming for students at the following Newark-based public charter schools: Brick Education Charter, Discovery Charter, Maria L. Varisco, Marion P. Thomas, and Phillips Academy Newark Charter.
The Liberty Science Center will further develop its signature Newark STEM Education Program, as funding provides vital support for a professional development workshop for 150 educators—ultimately impacting 3,000 students—as well as MiniMed Extravaganza, a one-day event for 550 students interested in medical careers.
“We are proud to work with the Panasonic Foundation to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders in Newark,” said Aaron Turner, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the Community Foundation of New Jersey. “Through accessible STEAM education initiatives, we aim to propel students towards brighter educational and workforce opportunities, creating a future where innovation and knowledge thrive.”
For additional information, please contact Aaron Turner at the Community Foundation of New Jersey at (973) 267-5533 or aturner@cfnj.org.