Your generosity encourages students to embrace problem-solving and become future innovators.

“I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for bringing your Mobile STEM Lab to us. I heard so many wonderful things from staff and students about their experiences. It’s clear that the activities you provided made a lasting impact on our students.”

-Sonia Caldwell, Eastside Elementary Principal-

When the Ivy Tech Foundation launched its Anderson STEM Mobile program, the goal was simple: bridge gaps in enrollment, preparedness, and interest in STEM fields for students who might not otherwise have access. The program has faced some challenges as the demand for these programs often outweighs the resources.

Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Madison County Community Foundation, Anderson STEM Mobile served an estimated 7,000 kindergarten through 8th grade students in Madison County.

STEM Mobile brings hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math education directly to schools, giving students the chance to experiment, explore, and get excited about the possibilities of STEM careers.

Becky Walls serves as the Mobile STEM Lab Director and has seen the impact of the program first hand. “While at Anderson Intermediate, we were also able to have the Special Needs and Intense Behavior students visit us. They left a huge impact on me, which I will remember for many years to come. They all had such enthusiasm and were truly excited to interact with us. One student was so engaged with one of our VEX Robots (whom we call Robert the Robot) that he was chasing him around the room on hands and knees. His joy was contagious.”

By providing STEM Education in Madison County, students from racial minorities and low socioeconomic statuses are provided a pathway to high-demand, high-wage careers. STEM fields are some of the fastest growing industries, and many of the jobs in these fields offer above-average salaries and benefits. Through STEM education, a more diverse and inclusive workforce is fostered, as well as provision of opportunities for economic mobility. Additionally, STEM education teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are valuable in many fields and can help students succeed in various careers.

Walls shares that the grant funding has been crucial and keeps the program moving forward, allows for more school visits, and provides upgrades to technology and materials. “Outside support like this is what keeps us going,” she says. Your generosity is doing more than funding a program; it is helping students imagine their future and empowering them with the tools to get there.

Every gift, large and small, contributes to the mission of Madison County Community Foundation to invest in lasting positive change to elevate and strengthen Madison County. Our vision is for this to be a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive and this drives everything that we do. Consider giving to the Impact Madison Fund to help us continue to meet emerging local needs through discretionary grantmaking. Impact Madison grants support nonprofit programs in the areas of Arts, Culture, and History, Health and Human Services, Education, Thriving Community, and Women and Children.