For immediate release – July 16, 2018
Viera, Florida- Brevard Schools Foundation is pleased to announce that Harris Corporation has donated a $95,000 grant, part of which will fund two exciting new hands-on STEM programs for students and teachers.
Harris Corporation has been a long-time supporter of the Brevard Schools Foundation, and has donated more than $1 million that has been used to support students and encourage teachers in STEM-related pursuits.
When asked about the impact the Harris Corporation’s support has had, Janice Kershaw, President and CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation replied, “Financial and volunteer support from Harris has helped Brevard Public Schools elevate science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in Brevard County. We are proud that with such great community support, the Space Coast can continue a tradition of innovation in the classroom, making our schools some of the best in the state.”
“We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Brevard Public Schools and the Foundation, and this donation extends that mutually beneficial relationship,” said Harris Chairman, President and CEO William M. Brown. “Harris is deeply committed to education – particularly in the STEM field – and encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers will help build a better future for all of us.”
With the gift comes two new initiatives:
- The Harris STEM Challenge, with lessons created by BPS teachers and Harris engineers that begin in the fall and culminate with a competition for middle school students next April. The year-long program will encourage participation in STEM problem-based learning experiences in traditional math and science classrooms which will improve the quality of grades 7-8 science and math education.
- The Harris STEM Engagement Series, a professional development opportunity targeting grades 8, 9, and 10 Physical Science teachers. Physical Science is a new course to Brevard that will be engaging, hands-on activities, and be STEM/inquiry driven. Thirty teachers will come together twice per year for targeted professional development on engaging middle school teachers and physical science students in standards based STEM activities including data collection, analysis, and evidence based explanations. The goal is to hook these students with engagement and STEM during the critical time where they tend to lose their love for science.
In addition to the new initiatives, the Harris funds will help support Destination Space (formerly Space Week), Take Stock in Children, Science Fairs, Harris Super Science Saturdays, The ABC Awards and a summer institute for school administrators.
ABOUT BREVARD SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Brevard Schools Foundation fills educational funding and opportunity gaps at all of our 82 public schools for 73,000 students and 5,000 teachers by supporting innovation, engaging communities, and changing lives. Funds come from private contributions, corporate support, public matching funds, fundraising and endowments. The Brevard Schools Foundation is nationally ranked for their role in supporting public education in Brevard County.
Contact: Katherine Allen, Brevard Schools Foundation
Phone: 321-633-1000 ext. 474
Email: allen.katherine@brevardschools.org
ABOUT HARRIS CORPORATION
Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers’ toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6 billion in annual revenue. The company is organized into three business segments: Communication Systems, Electronic Systems and Space and Intelligence Systems. Learn more at harris.com.
Contact: Matt Grimison, Harris Communications
Phone: 321-724-3446
Email: matthew.grimison@harris.com