Heritage High School Academy of Environmental Water Technology (AEWT) To Benefit
Viera, FL – AT&T, the global leader in connecting people with technology, recently awarded $25,000 to Brevard Schools Foundation for the Academy of Environmental Water Technology (AEWT) at Heritage High School in Palm Bay. The Academy of Environmental Water Technology (AEWT) is a program designed to educate the next generation of environmental stewards and is the first to offer high school students training and industry certification in drinking water and wastewater treatment.
“AT&T is helping our students become college and work ready upon high school graduation through its support of this innovative program,” said Janice Kershaw, executive director of Brevard Schools Foundation. “We are happy to match AT&T’s interest in citizenship and sustainability with the Academy.”
This STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program covers all areas of environmental studies with a focus on water treatment, conservation and restoration, while preparing students to sit for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Level C Drinking Water Operator exam and/or Level C Wastewater Operator exam at the conclusion of their senior year. AT&T’s donation will help cover the cost of water quality testing equipment and student textbooks.
Heritage High School Principal, Dr. John Harris, said he was appreciative and honored by AT&T’s wonderful financial support. “Not only will this grant assist our students as we prepare them for real-world opportunities directly after high school but it will also guide our students towards environmentally sensible careers that will have a long term benefit for our state,” said Harris. “Water management is a global concern and our AEWT program at Heritage High School has begun to bring local awareness/solutions to this issue through the education of the youth in our community. Go Big Blue!”
According to Harris, the field of environmental science is truly an integrated field of study. This idea is embraced as a driving philosophy in the Heritage High School Academy of Environmental Water Technology (AEWT) program of study. Students in the AEWT program not only receive meaningful workforce training, but engage in the study of the environmental sciences, engage in laboratory and field studies and conduct scientific research projects. This integrated, tiered approach set by the AEWT curriculum benefits students in every area of STEM while setting them up for success in the workplace, college and in the real world. The curriculum is aligned with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s drinking water and wastewater operator training programs.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.
Established in 1987, the Brevard Schools Foundation is a direct-support, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which matches community resources with the needs of schools. Support may be in the form of financial contributions or in-kind gifts of goods or services. The Brevard Schools Foundation solicits funds for Brevard Public Schools through grants and/or private sources. These grants supplement dollars available through the school district, providing the means for classroom teachers to undertake special projects not supported through existing budgets and programs.