Lynn, MA – February 6, 2020 – KIPP Massachusetts announced today that it has received grant funds from the One8 Foundation and the Baker-Polito Administration to offer an expanded curricular program from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) that will better prepare students for career success. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science. KIPP joins more than 12,200 schools across the country offering PLTW programs to millions of students. KIPP Massachusetts’ two middle schools, KIPP Academy Boston and KIPP Academy Lynn, both received $15,000 to implement a new 7th grade engineering curriculum called “Automation and Robotics,” which will prepare students with the engineering skills students will need in order to pursue higher level classes in high school and beyond.
“Our organization strives to give students the opportunity to lead choice-filled lives; this includes access to the engineering and technology careers that continue to grow in demand,” said Jay Galbraith, Secondary Science Achievement Leader at KIPP Massachusetts. “By adding Automation and Robotics to our K-12 engineering program, we are providing yet another opportunity for our kids to engage with problem-solving using computational thinking and creativity.”
KIPP Academy Lynn and KIPP Academy Boston are just two of 82 schools across the Commonwealth to receive the grant, which is supported by the Administration of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub.
“Our administration is committed to closing the opportunity and achievement gaps in STEM fields for students across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Partnerships with organizations like Project Lead the Way allow us to provide children with opportunities to learn hands-on, real-world STEM skills and put them on a pathway to success in the classroom and beyond.”
KIPP will use grant funds to strengthen its PLTW program with PLTW Engineering. Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in the hands-on applied learning courses.
“We are proud to partner with KIPP to empower students to develop the in-demand knowledge and transportable skills to thrive in our evolving world,” said Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO. “Thank you to the Governor’s Office, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub for making these grants possible and further investing in Massachusetts’ students.”
“We are thrilled to support educators across the Commonwealth to bring applied learning and STEM education to their schools in a way that has students learning rigorous STEM content and then applying it to solve real world problems,” said Joanna Jacobson, President of the One8 Foundation.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
About One8 Foundation and Mass STEM Hub
The One8 Foundation propels and supports outstanding leaders with compelling ideas that deliver scaled, sustainable social impact. Education is one of the One8 Foundation’s strategic giving areas, with a focus on preparing students for a rapidly changing high-tech world through applied learning and STEM education. Mass STEM Hub is a program of the One8 Foundation and its mission is to provide schools with access to and support for applied learning and STEM education that builds knowledge and skills students need to succeed in a rapidly changing, high tech world. One8 Foundation and Mass STEM Hub have helped scale Project Lead The Way’s K-12 curriculum in engineering, computer science and biomedical science to over 45,000 students in Massachusetts enabling students to learn how to take theory to practice with real world problem solving. To learn more, visit one8.org and mass-stemhub.org.
About KIPP Massachusetts
KIPP Massachusetts is part of a non-profit network of college preparatory, public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP MA operates five public charter schools across Boston and Lynn, serving more than 2,000 students in grades K-12. KIPP MA has a 15-year track record of preparing students in educationally under-served communities for success in college and life.
About KIPP
KIPP is a non-profit network of college-preparatory public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. There are 242 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia educating over 100,000 students on their path to and through college, careers, and life. KIPP believes that great teachers and school leaders, a supportive learning environment, and an emphasis on both academics and character are the foundation for student success. KIPP students complete college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and four times higher than that of students from similar economic backgrounds.
