PARSIPPANY — National PTA and the Bayer USA Foundation have awarded New Jersey PTA with a $4,000 grant to engage families in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. New Jersey PTA is one of only seven PTAs nationwide selected to receive a Bayer Science Grant through the STEM + Families initiative. The grant recognizes New Jersey PTA’s leadership and commitment to increasing access to STEM experiences for New Jersey children and families.
The STEM + Families initiative will launch on Wednesday, April 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a science-focused STEM Event at Central Middle School, 1620 Route 46 West.
“Research shows the critical role families play in children’s success and achievement—regardless of their socioeconomic background. Research also demonstrates that parents and guardians are the most influential in guiding a child’s educational and career decisions,” said James Accomando, president of National PTA. “Family engagement is essential to strengthen STEM education, bridge the STEM gap and help all children realize their fullest potential. We’re thrilled to empower New Jersey PTA with resources to engage families in STEM education.”
STEM + Families is a national effort to engage entire families in STEM experiences at school, at home, in the community, and with digital learning environments to support their students’ success in STEM. The goal of the initiative is to fill a critical gap in STEM education, increase access to STEM experiences for all students and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. National PTA launched STEM + Families with the founding support of the Bayer USA Foundation. Through the effort, 100,000 STEM experiences will be delivered to families nationwide.
“At Bayer, we believe that innovation and increasing science literacy in the classroom and at home through education and hands-on learning can help improve the lives of every student across the U.S.,” said Raymond F. Kerins Jr., senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Bayer. “We want to instill the love of science and all its possibilities in today’s students to help inspire them to be the next generation of STEM leaders.”
With the grant from National PTA and Bayer, New Jersey PTA will:
- Examine how families are currently engaged in STEM education and develop a plan to educate and engage them in STEM through schools and community settings
- Educate families about STEM literacy, STEM careers, and STEM education pathways and empower them to support children’s success in STEM
- Engage families using hands-on learning opportunities and science experiences in collaboration with Bayer’s Making Science Make Sense initiative and employee volunteers
- Connect families and students to STEM enrichment and professional mentors
The STEM + Families initiative will launch Wednesday, April 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a science-focused STEM Event at Central Middle School. “New Jersey PTA is proud to be introducing STEM + Families in New Jersey with the support made possible through the Bayer USA Foundation,” said Rose Acerra, President, New Jersey PTA. “Our team is dedicated to connecting students and their families to the opportunities provided by a STEM education as well as laying the foundation for future careers in STEM. We hope this program is one of many we can sponsor throughout New Jersey.”
For more information about the initiative, click here.
PTA® comprises of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of healthcare and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, click here.
