The grant will bolster OCCF’s support for educators in Orange County K-12 schools, providing classroom project-based STEM learning opportunities
IRVINE, Calif. (July 25, 2024) —Today, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), announced it has received a $100,000 grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in support of its Inspired Teacher Grant Program. In its third year, the program will be able to grant up to $300,000 to Orange County K-12 public and charter schoolteachers providing classroom project-based learning opportunities.
The program supports hands‐on classroom projects and field trips that encourage experiential learning, enhance student understanding, and increase student achievement in relation to the California curriculum standards. In 2024, a total of $200,000 in grants were awarded to 60 schools, which supported 66 field trips and projects, serving 15,075 students.
“The generous grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation will significantly enhance the availability of exceptional hands-on education programs for students throughout Orange County,” stated Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “This support for the Inspired Teacher Grant Program ensures that students gain access to enriching classroom experiences that would typically be beyond their reach. We are delighted to collaborate to provide these invaluable opportunities, empowering students to uncover their passions and contribute to a brighter future for our community.”
“We’re delighted to partner with the Orange County Community Foundation to support our science educators in advancing their students’ understanding of science concepts by bringing more project-based learning and hands-on STEM activities into OC high schools, as well as deepening their appreciation for diversity in science and awareness of STEM career opportunities,” said Dr. Anne Hultgren, Executive Director and CEO, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. “Our aim is to support young scientists today for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries, and we’re confident that the Inspired Teacher Grant Program through OCCF is similarly focused on getting students the STEM education resources they need to thrive and providing teachers with the support they need to enable greater STEM achievement.”
The Inspired Teacher Grant Program which is open to all preK – 12th grade Orange County public schools is set to commence its application process on September 1, 2024. The support from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation offers a unique opportunity for Orange County high schools to enhance their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and STEAM (STEM + Arts) projects. These grants, generously funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, are aimed at empowering educators to develop innovative and impactful educational initiatives that can significantly enrich the learning experiences of their students. Successful applicants will be notified of their grant awards by the end of 2024, providing ample time to plan and execute their projects in the upcoming academic year. The grants will be presented in early 2025 at a special awards reception hosted by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in collaboration with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF).
OCCF is recognized as the center of gravity for Orange County philanthropy, acting as an unparalleled resource for local philanthropists and their families for 35 years by offering unique insights, deep knowledge, and a diverse array of tools to support both lifetime and legacy giving. To learn more about the Orange County Community Foundation, visit www.oc-cf.org.
About Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1977 by 20th century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit beckman-foundation.org.
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) combines giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention to amplify the power of giving and its profound result: greater good in Orange County, and beyond. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. We inspire giving and connect people and resources to create sustainable impact, granting more than $1 billion since 1989 in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2023 annual report here.
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