#USA #STEM Education #Fulton Education Foundation #Microsoft Grant #East Point

Investment in STEM Education in East Point

On May 12, 2025, the Fulton Education Foundation unveiled a significant $275,000 grant aimed at revitalizing STEM education within the Fulton County Schools. Backed by Microsoft, this grant signals a powerful new phase for local educational initiatives, focusing on expanding career pathways and motivating both students and educators.

A Community-Centric Approach

The benefactor, Microsoft, emphasized its commitment to cultivating innovation and educational equity through its contributions. East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham expressed gratitude for the partnership that enhances East Point’s potential as a center for innovation and talent. "This is a bold step toward preparing our young people and their families for the future," Ingraham stated, outlining the broader impact on the community.

The initiative's ambitious goal is to reach over 1,200 students and 140 adults, implementing immersive programs that bridge technology with areas like gaming, esports, music, and digital design. This convergence not only ignites interest in STEM but also broadens the educational engagement in these crucial fields.

Targeted Schools and Community Impact

The grant is set to benefit several local schools: Tri-Cities High School and Paul D. West Middle School, among others, all part of the network that connects with the new Microsoft datacenter campus. By integrating high-demand learning opportunities that connect various industries to vital concepts like artificial intelligence and environmental science, the program intends to spark curiosity and deeper subject engagement among students.

Graham Huff, the Executive Director of Fulton Education Foundation, emphasized the grant's purpose: "This is not just about funding; it’s about unlocking potential and expanding access to meaningful opportunities for students and families." The foundation, in collaboration with the local schools and community partners, aims to create a model of educational excellence that aligns with a tech-driven economy.

One significant event in this initiative took place on May 9, when Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School collaborated with Plantlanta State University for a day centered around environmental STEM learning. Activities like these exemplify the hands-on approach that will define the upcoming year-long program.

Comprehensive Programming for All

The initiative promises to include hands-on STEM programming crafted for students, professional growth workshops for teachers, and essential digital skills training for adults. As the program progresses, it plans to expand its reach across more schools in East Point, ensuring that the positive impact touches learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Dr. Mike Looney, the Superintendent of Fulton County Schools, shared his enthusiasm regarding the initiative, noting, "This investment will facilitate transformative learning experiences for students and empower our educators with cutting-edge professional development."

Microsoft’s involvement underscores its commitment to fostering inclusive educational opportunities. Chris Sander, General Manager of Datacenter Land Development at Microsoft, remarked on the company’s pledge to enhance community pathways towards innovation, stating, "We believe that companies that can do more, should. We are dedicated to creating pathways for people of all ages to discover and lead innovation."

Conclusion

The $275,000 grant from the Fulton Education Foundation reflects an extraordinary commitment to elevating education within East Point. As the initiative unfolds, it promises to not only enrich the STEM ecosystem in the area but to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. For anyone interested in participating or learning more about this transformative effort, you can reach out to Graham Huff at [email protected].

About Fulton Education Foundation

The Fulton Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting over 87,000 students across 104 Fulton County schools, specifically targeting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The foundation strives to invest in pioneering programs aimed at ensuring that students are well-prepared for college, career, and successful lives beyond school.