Submitted by Megan Ambrose, YSEF Administrative Coordinator
With corporate funds donated through the Pennsylvania State Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and a generous donation from a York Suburban alumnus, York Suburban Education Foundation (YSEF) has awarded $40,000 in support of the York Suburban School District’s recently developed vision to implement a plan to guide a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) initiative. The district is implementing STEAM programming from kindergarten through grade 12. STEAM promotes inquiry and project-based learning, collaborative learning, critical thinking skills, innovation and creativity. From incorporating coding, engineering, and design into kindergarten lessons to enhancing STEAM labs in the high school to transforming the middle and high school libraries into flexible learning spaces that allows for collaboration and exploration, the collective “York Suburban Learning Commons” grant reinforces the district’s dedication to maintain academic rigor and develop problem solving skills. The grant will allow middle school students to take part in the research, design, and construction of an outdoor learning space. This green space will provide students with the opportunity to experiment with alternative energy resources as well as create sustainable resources for the school. A gardening area will be used to grow vegetables for use in different classes, a vermicompositing area will be used to recycle cafeteria waste and rain barrels will be set up to harvest water. Other areas will be designed to use for all classroom disciplines. This creative project will engage these young learners in the practical application of meaningful thought. Follow YSEF on Facebook to hear what the students have to say about this grant.