The Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced Thursday that the W.M. Keck Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to expand a STEM program that is already operating at five Catholic schools in the Los Angeles area.
The grant will allow the STEM Network — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — to be added at two more schools to be announced later, according to the archdiocese.
The program is currently in place at Divine Saviour, Holy Spirit STEM Academy, St. Turibius, Immaculate Conception STEM Academy and San Gabriel Mission K-8.
The grant money is expected to be used for equipment, curriculum and professional development for teachers and STEM leaders.
The program is aimed at expanding the number of students who ultimately pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields, broadening the participation of women and minorities in those fields and increasing STEM literacy for all students, including those who do not pursue STEM-related careers or additional study in the STEM disciplines.
“I am grateful to the W.M. Keck Foundation for this generous gift that will support STEM education in our low-income Catholic schools,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said in a statement. “The Foundation’s commitment to encouraging a love for science among our young people will make a lasting difference in their lives and in the future of our community.”
Along with the grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, the STEM Network has been awarded grants from the Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Shea Family Charities and Specialty Family Foundation.