SPARKLIGHT AWARDS $15,000 IN ‘DREAM BIGGER’ DONATIONS
Five winners to each receive $3,000 to support K-12 STEM projects
April, 21 2020 – Phoenix, Arizona – Schools and organizations serving K-12 students in Sparklight communities had the opportunity this spring to win $3,000 to fund their STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) project or club as part of the internet service provider's annual "Dream Bigger" social media campaign.
"It's critically important for today's students to have hands-on experience with the latest technology and we're impressed by the varied and innovative ways schools and organizations are utilizing technology with their K-12 students," said Trish Niemann, Sparklight's Senior Director of Corporate Communications. "We are excited to see how students will use these funds to go even further and to watch them grow into the future leaders of the communities we serve."
Sparklight has awarded $30,000 to STEM initiatives across its footprint over the past two years.
This year's winners include:
Joplin High School Band Program (Joplin, Missouri) -
The Joplin High School band room was destroyed after the 2011 tornado and funds were never available to purchase a new sound system. Winning funds will be used to purchase and install a new sound system for recording, playback, listening, smart music, composition, and dictation.
East Central University Foundation's Institute for Math and Science Education (Ada, Oklahoma) -
The Institute for Math and Science Education (IMSE) is committed to STEM learning by providing educational opportunities for Oklahoma teachers, business and industry leaders, community members and youth of all ages. IMSE plans to use the funds to purchase 3D design equipment, enhance its outreach efforts, and add items to the IMSE Lending Library, which supplies educators with the use of STEM items at no cost – providing equal access to learning for students in rural, high poverty areas of Oklahoma.
Popp's Ferry Elementary (Biloxi, Mississippi) -
Popp's Ferry Elementary School plans to use its winning e funds to further its goal of building a collaborative and comprehensive meteorological sensing station throughout campus. The project includes a sensory-driven weatherboard with meteorological sensors and gauges that will allow students to track current weather conditions as classes move around campus as well as an advanced weather system, connected by wi-fi and powered by solar panels.
Washington High School Life Skills (Washington, Indiana) -
Washington High School Life Skills serves students with moderate, severe or multiple disabilities. These students perform better when they can use a touch screen rather than "click and drag" with a mouse on a traditional laptop. Their winning funds will be used purchase touch-screen tablets and apps for student use.
Veale Elementary Robotics Team (Washington, Indiana) -
The Veale Elementary robotics program provides opportunities for students to engage in collaborative STEM experiences. Winning funds will allow them to purchase additional robot kits, allowing additional students to participate in STEM activities, as well as increasing the number of competitions the team attends next season.
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About Sparklight
Sparklight® is a leading broadband communications provider and part of the Cable One family of brands, which serves more than 900,000 residential and business customers in 21 states. Sparklight provides consumers with a wide array of connectivity and entertainment services, including high-speed internet and advanced Wi-Fi solutions, cable television and phone service. Sparklight Business provides scalable and cost-effective products for businesses ranging in size from small to mid-market, in addition to enterprise, wholesale and carrier customers.
CONTACT:
Tammy Gabel
Communications Manager
602.364.6712
tamara.gabel@sparklight.biz