Apple STEM Network Awarded $110,000 Grant

The Apple STEM Network, a consortium Wenatchee School District and other local school organizations, public agencies and nonprofits, has been award a $111,000 operating grant from Washington STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to execute a locally developed business plan designed to help teachers and students benefit from project-based learning. 

The grant will be matched by $100,000 in local contributions.

The grant was announced Saturday October 29 at the Wenatchee Mini Maker Faire. Lee Lambert, the network director from Washington STEM, presented the check to Dr. Sue Kane, the Wenatchee Valley College adjunct biology professor who will co-chair the Apple STEM network with Jenny (Napier) Rojanasthien, the executive director of the Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance (GWATA). Also on had was Wenatchee School District’s Diana Haglund (Wenatchee Learns Coordinator) and Dennis Conger (Career and Technical Education Director), along with representatives from Wenatchee Valley College, Eastmont and Cashmere school districts, the North Central Educational Service District, GWATA and Chelan Public Utility District. 

The  grant money will help the Apple STEM Network fulfill its intentions of:

• • Providing a constructive support system for educators who aim to meet the rising challenge for all students to develop 21st century skills and STEM literacy,
• • Integrating community mentorship and promote authentic project-based learning and field experiences for all levels of education, and
• • Engaging students in exploring the world of opportunities on the horizon through STEM.