GASEF Funding Awards March 2022
On March 11, 2022, the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation announced awards of $11,500 in funding to 2 organizations and programs to improve K-12 STEM education.
1. $10,000 to Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair to support the 2022 Fair
Funds will help support costs for maintaining this charity year-round and running the 2022 GSDSEF, including virtual fair software license and custom development, giving out awards to students, and funding their participation in the International Science and Engineering Fair. 400-500 students are expected to participate again in this virtual fair, from 50-60 schools, grades 6-12. These students will represent the entire spectrum of diversity across all public, private, parochial and potential home schools. This event has promoted science to all 7th-12th grade students in San Diego and Imperial counties for over 68 years. The GSDSEF has propelled thousands of students into STEM studies and careers, ranging from Astronomy to Zoology.
2. $1,500 to Expanding Your Horizons of San Diego to support the 2022 Conference
Funding will support the virtual Expanding Your Horizons conference on 3/5/2022 for workshop supplies and shipping of workshop supplies to each participant. This online event will be provided for free for the participants, who are females in grades 6-10. The EYH goal is to increase girls’ interest in STEM careers by providing exciting and engaging hands-on learning experiences. EYH constituents consist of a community of STEM professionals and enthusiasts that support the participation, retention and advancement of women in STEM. The four core elements include mentorship, accessibility to programs at low or no cost, an emphasis on skills required in the workforce and hands-on approaches to STEM activities. 150 girls are being invited to participate in a three-hour conference where they will each participate in two workshops from 11 presenting organizations/groups.