Sparklight® Awards $2,500 Grant to Waynesville High School Career Embedded Medical Health Studies to Support STEM Education
WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (April 30, 2025) –– As part of its 7th annual “Dream Bigger” social media campaign, Sparklight® is proud to announce that it has awarded a $2,500 grant to the Waynesville High School Career Embedded Medical Health Studies (Way-Med).
Sparklight's support will help Way-Med create a learning environment that resembles a medical facility, allowing students to engage in hands-on medical practice scenarios and design their own surgical tools. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase medical equipment. Way-Med integrates STEM by having students utilize science to learn about medical cases and surgical techniques, technology to explore advanced medical technology, engineering to design surgical tools and math for medical calculations and surgical angles.
“The Dream Bigger grant will add a medical training space to my classroom, giving students real-world experiences to help prepare them for careers in the medical field,” said Nicole Den Dekker, teacher of the Way-Med career-embedded health studies course at Waynesville High School. “With this grant, we'll be able to purchase equipment such as laparoscopic surgery tools with cameras and other surgical supplies. These tools will enhance our coursework by encouraging students to practice mock medical procedures. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to design their own tools for simulated surgeries. This grant will help inspire my students to dream, explore and pursue their future career in healthcare.”
“We are thrilled to support Waynesville High School Career Embedded Medical Health Studies in their efforts to bring STEM education to life in such a meaningful way,” said Mike Drahota, Sparklight Senior Director, North Central Region. “At Sparklight, we believe that by empowering students to use technology for social good, we can help to build a brighter future for students and the communities we serve."
Since its inception in 2019, Sparklight’s “Dream Bigger” initiative has awarded nearly $200,000 to support STEM education and expand access to innovative learning opportunities for K-12 students. This year, 12 schools and organizations across Sparklight’s 24-state footprint were selected to receive funding for their impactful projects.
To learn more about Sparklight’s charitable activities, high-speed internet services and career opportunities, visit www.sparklight.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Contact
Noah Flack, Communications Manager
noah.flack@cableone.biz
Stay up to date with Sparklight's ongoing community support.
Sparklight is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. From partnering with local organizations to supporting initiatives that empower growth, education, and connection, we're here to help.
About Sparklight
Sparklight is a leading broadband communications provider delivering exceptional service and enabling more than 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states to thrive and stay connected to what matters most. Through Sparklight® and the associated Cable One family of brands, we're not just shaping the future of connectivity — we're transforming it with a commitment to innovation, reliability and customer experience at our core.
Our robust infrastructure and cutting-edge technology don’t just keep our customers connected; they help drive progress in education, business and everyday life. We’re dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering our communities and fostering a more connected world. When our customers choose Sparklight, they are choosing a team that is always working for them — one that believes in the relentless pursuit of reliability, because being a trusted neighbor isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.