$15K Grant To Provide Free STEM Kits to Teachers

It’s estimated that American teachers spend an average of $500 to $1,200 a year on school supplies for their classrooms — with some teachers spending up to $4,000.
This year, the APS Foundation and Treasures 4 Teachers are hoping to make a difference, with Arizona Public Service providing a $15,000 grant for STEM kits, which Treasures 4 Teachers will distribute.
The kits were created seen years ago by a volunteer, U.S. Army Veteran and retired engineer, Ray Wendel and use every day, recyclable materials to teach important science, technology, engineering and math concepts in a hands-on way.
“One of the reactions we get from teachers all the time is how much time these kits save them,” said Barbara Blalock, T4T executive director.  “They don’t have to plan it, think it through, figure out what standards it meets. It’s all there for them. It saves them time and money, so they are not having to spend their own money on these kinds of science kits. These kits engage students and really get them interested in science, engineering, technology and math.”
There are now 20 different types of STEM kits, all containing curriculum that is set to Arizona educational standards. The kits focus on a variety of subjects and are geared toward specific grade levels.
The kits have reached nearly 200,000 Arizona students who learn in classrooms with limited resources and are available to all schools in the state.