L3Harris Awards $100K Grant to Brevard Schools Foundation

L3Harris engineer, Daniel Ramirez engages with students during the Brevard Innovation Games held in March 2020.

L3Harris Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to Brevard Schools Foundation (BSF) to advance student achievement especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by providing equitable learning opportunities for the 74,000 K-12 students enrolled in Brevard Public Schools (BPS). This grant will also provide funds for instructional practice activities for teachers.

“With the COVID-19 crisis deepening the achievement gap, especially the digital divide, these additional opportunities are needed now more than ever,” said Janice Kershaw, President/CEO, Brevard Schools Foundation. “Our students and teachers need extra resources and new programs to keep up with this challenging and ever-changing environment.”

L3Harris Foundation and the education professionals at Brevard Public Schools have collaborated to develop a comprehensive and broad-reaching array of programs that will offer opportunities for students and teachers across the school district. The following programs will be funded through this grant during the 2020/2021 BPS academic year:
• L3Harris Stem Challenge
• Elementary and Secondary Science & Engineering Fairs
• STEM Engagement Series
• L3Harris Super Science Saturdays
• ABC Awards
• Destination Space
• Take Stock in Children
• Superintendent Leadership Summit

The depth and breadth of these programs reaches across all grade levels and provides students and teachers with supplemental educational activities with a focus on STEM skills. “STEM education creates critical thinkers and is preparing the next generation of innovators for high tech jobs on the Space Coast and across the globe,” said BPS Superintendent, Dr. Mark Mullins. “In order to meet the future needs or our society, today’s schools need to engage students in STEM activities that reflect both learning standards and real-world application. The programs funded by this L3Harris grant do just that, while building a culture of leadership, collaboration, and creative thought in students that will extend well into their future education and career opportunities.”

Michelle Ferro, BPS Elementary Science Content Specialist, has been hands-on with three programs funded by L3Harris: Destination Space; Elementary Science and Engineering Fair; and L3Harris Super Science Saturdays. She has witnessed the positive impact that these programs make on students.

“Through the L3Harris grant, we will be able to immerse more students in STEM opportunities at an early age, particularly children in underrepresented demographics,” said Ferro. “Last school year, we were able to provide Super Science Saturdays to 375 students and their teachers, which offered time beyond the school day to participate in engaging hands-on science investigations. This is something we could not have accomplished without the generosity of the L3Harris Foundation.”

“Investing in STEM programs that support area students, who represent the workforce of the future, has never been more important,” said Bill Brown, Chairman and CEO, L3Harris. “As Brevard schools seek to overcome today’s significant COVID-19 challenges, we hope that this grant enables the Foundation to continue its efforts to expand STEM education in our county.”

“L3Harris has long been a champion for education in our community and their commitment to improving the quality of education in our community is unmatched and should be the gold standard for corporations in every community,” added Kershaw. “We could not be more grateful to L3Harris for their continued support.”