Toshiba Awards Over $55,000 in Grants for 14 Innovative Classroom STEM Projects

The Toshiba America Foundation will support exciting Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) education programs in grades 6-12 through new grant program

NEW YORK, NY, August 26, 2021—Today, the Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) announced it will award over $55,000 in grants for 14 innovative classroom Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM) projects in grades 6-12.

The grants will allow students to learn about biology, chemistry, engineering, math, physics, and environmental science including robotics, coding, and 3D printing. Additionally, the grants will address community issues, such as waste recycling and supporting the people in assisted living – the common thread across all 14 projects is that they incorporate novel ways to introduce STEM disciplines into the classroom.

For example, students in Mr. Perkins’ class at Luverne Public Schools in Luverne, Minn. will use the TAF grant to purchase a 3D printer and will create printing materials using recycled goods. Physics students at the school will design the mechanical systems, and chemistry students will repurpose the granules into lab equipment and other items. These items will be 3D printed as powders and then placed in a kiln to cure and proof. The project will result in a mini-recycling system that the entire town can utilize.

“STEM occupations play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy,” said John Anderson, President, TAF. “STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. The grants being awarded by TAF will make the STEM classroom more exciting for both teachers and students – and result in more students becoming engaged in this crucial field.”

TAF’s grants take a “direct-to-teacher” approach by aiming to fund projects designed by innovative classroom teachers, which brings immediate results. Teachers are able to enhance the way they teach STEM subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and project-based learning in the curriculum. TAF believes that learning STEM subjects through this type of experience is a lot more fun and engaging than just reading a textbook.

STEM educators interested in applying for a K-5 TAF grant should apply here by Oct. 1. STEM educators interested in applying for a 6-12 TAF grant can apply here. The deadlines for > $5K are May 1 and Nov. 1. The deadlines for < $5K are March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 1.