2018 Society Annual Report

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STEM ACTION GRANTS In addition to focusing on its own direct programs, the Society wants to help grow the next generation of social entrepreneurs who will expand STEM opportunities. Small amounts of funding and other supports can make an oversized difference to groundbreaking nonprofits and their leaders.

When you connect with Native students and educators, they will bluntly tell you how necessary it is for us to begin enacting change as soon as possible. Change requires effort, time and resources and so the STEM Action Grant is really an important resource we are using to help understand and implement the changes that are needed.”

DEVON RITER Executive Director Lower Brule Research

Through its STEM Action Grants, Society for Science & the Public funds innovative organi- zations, like Lower Brule Research, that support community-based STEM projects. In 2018, Lower Brule Research was awarded $5,000 to dedicate more time, training and re- sources to encourage Native American students to enter STEM fields. The money was used for a program that pairs college students enrolled in a mentoring course at South Dakota State University with younger students. In helping the younger students complete their communi- ty-centered STEM projects, the college students also build cultural competence. This year, grants totaling $30,000 were given to seven exceptional organizations supporting STEM education and science literacy: Congres- sional App Challenge, Electric Girls, Girls Com- puting League, Lower Brule Research, March for Science, ProjectCSGirls and SAFE Alternative Foundation for Education. Twenty-four young scientists were also recog- nized with Community Innovation Awards for making a difference in their hometowns with their research. These $500 prizes were given by Society-affiliated science fairs.

DIVE IN The Black Girls Dive Foundation, based in Owings Mills, Md., provides girls with STEM skills through aquatic-based recreation.

BIRD WATCHING Putting Birds into the Hands of Underserved Rural Youth is a program of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

COMMUNITY MATTERS (OPPOSITE PAGE) A group of students at Lower Brule Research built small gardens around the community to see if that would encourage others to grow traditional plants.

Society for Science & the Public | 2018 ANNUAL REPORT  | 35

34 |  2018 ANNUAL REPORT  | STEM Action Grants