For inquiries, please contact:
Ryan Neden, Executive Director
ryann@kidsparkeducation.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kid Spark Education Partners with TC Energy to Expand the STEM Equity Grants Initiative and Develop New Energy-themed Curriculum
Webb City, MO – August 14th, 2024 – Kid Spark Education and TC Energy are excited to announce a significant expansion of our partnership to bring more hands-on STEM learning experiences to students and introduce a new energy-themed curriculum.
A Partnership with Impact
The relationship between Kid Spark Education and TC Energy began in 2021 with a generous grant that funded five elementary STEM programs in Houston, TX, through Kid Spark's STEM Equity Grants Initiative.
Expanding the STEM Equity Grants Initiative
Building on the initial success, TC Energy is now funding the expansion of the STEM Equity Grants Initiative to eight new sites in underserved communities across the United States. This initiative aims to provide high-quality STEM learning opportunities to children who might not otherwise have access to such resources. Focusing on underserved communities, the goal is to bridge the educational gap and ensure all students have the chance to develop crucial 21st-century skills. "Kid Spark is thrilled to expand its partnership with TC Energy to provide STEM learning opportunities to more children. Through this collaboration, thousands of children in underserved communities will gain a lasting interest and confidence in STEM,” says Ryan Neden, Kid Spark Education Executive Director.
Introducing a New Energy-Themed Curriculum
In addition to expanding the STEM Equity Grants Initiative, TC Energy employees will collaborate with Kid Spark educational specialists to develop a new energy-themed curriculum. This curriculum will cover essential concepts related to energy, sustainability, and the future of energy infrastructure. By incorporating real-world applications and insights from industry experts, this unit will give students a deeper understanding of the vital role energy plays in our world. Additionally, Kid Spark will feature stories from TC Energy employees, showcasing real-life examples of STEM professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Looking Ahead
Curriculum development is officially underway and sites are currently being identified for program placement, to launch as early as Fall 2024. “TC Energy is proud to invest in STEM learning for students of all ages,” says TC Energy’s Manager of Social Impact, Trevence Mitchell. “Kid Spark is a trusted partner of ours, and we commend the work they do to build children’s interest and confidence in STEM subjects. We look forward to collaborating with Kid Spark further to develop energy-related curricula and inspire future energy problem solvers.”
Join Us
For more information about Kid Spark Education, visit www.kidsparkeducation.org.
If you’d like to partner with us to increase equity in STEM education, please reach out to partner@kidsparkeducation.org.
About Kid Spark Education:
Kid Spark Education’s core mission is addressing persistent STEM education disparities, focusing on empowering girls, low-income youth, and children of color. The organization aims to close the STEM opportunity gap by fostering early and continuous STEM learning, countering the prevalent lack of STEM education, notably in underserved communities.
About TC Energy:
TC Energy is a leading energy infrastructure company in North America. With more than 70 years of experience, TC Energy develops and operates safe and reliable energy solutions, including natural gas, oil, and power assets. The company is committed to sustainability and community investment, supporting initiatives that create long-term value and growth.