Body copy text Button Gwinnett Elementary was presented a $20,000 check, on Friday by the Arconic Foundation, to assist in funding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiatives at the school. Four members of the Arconic plant, located in Midway, presented the check to school principal, Mrs. Delores Crawford, who wrote the grant for her school.  

 The Arconic plant in Midway, which employs over 300, produces titanium and nickel-alloy forgings for aircraft engines. The Midway plant’s Employee Engagement Committee led the initiative to reach out to local schools to identify STEM programs that would benefit from the Arconic Foundation grant. The Arconic Foundation supports Arconic’s mission by helping “to prepare tomorrow’s workforce for successful, rewarding careers that advance the future of manufacturing while keeping communities strong and vibrant.” To meet the demands of the 21st century economy, the Arconic Foundation focuses on projects that ignite a passion for the STEM disciplines. Arconic’s vision is to help prepare the communities in which they operate to be globally competitive, since jobs of the future will require workers all over the world to rapidly upgrade their skills. The Arconic Foundation focuses on supporting education and training opportunities in engineering and advanced manufacturing. 

 The visitors went on a tour of the school to learn more about the school and the ways they intend to utilize the grant funds to improve STEM programs. Mrs. Delores Crawford stated, “Students’ learning is enhanced when they are engaged. Hands-on science does that for all students. I am grateful to the Arconic Foundation for investing in our children by helping them become more literate in science. We will use the bulk of our grant funds to purchase an online STEM curriculum program and start a robotics club for students in grades 3-5.” Dr. Franklin Perry, Superintendent of Schools, was present for the ceremony and thanked the Arconic Foundation for their investment in our schools and our students. He stated, “I am proud of the administration and staff at Button Gwinnett and the work they are doing to implement innovative STEM programs for their students. We certainly appreciate this grant which will be instrumental in helping the school with the implementation of these programs.” Liberty County School System central office administrators, Button Gwinnett school administrators and School Governance Team members, as well as family members of Mrs. Crawford also attended the ceremony. 

 For more information, contact Dr. Patti Crane at pcrane@liberty.k12.ga.us or (912) 876-2161.