Publix supports Mote with marine science education grant
Publix Super Markets Charities awarded Mote Marine Laboratory $13,500 this month, August 2016, to help underserved children in the Sarasota and Manatee areas participate in informal, creative and fun marine science education programs provided by Mote.
Grant funds will be used to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational opportunities that aim to increase ocean literacy, interest in science and environmental appreciation for underserved, at-risk children and youth, and will provide bus transportation so that children in these programs can take field trips to Mote Aquarium.
Programs will feature laboratory and field experiences based on local marine and coastal ecosystems, incorporating current scientific and conservation research into an age-appropriate curriculum. Programs will also highlight Mote’s world-class research and scientists.
“Publix Super Markets Charities believes in the importance of education and education enrichment programs,” said Kelly Williams-Puccio, Executive Director of Publix Supermarket Charities. “We are proud to support great organizations, like Mote Marine Laboratory, as they work to enhance students’ knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math in fun and exciting ways. We believe that all students should have access to these important educational opportunities in order to have a well-rounded education that will prepare them to be our future leaders, associates and neighbors. For some students, that isn’t possible without the support of the community. It takes all of us working together to ensure that our students are prepared to make great contributions in the future.”
As a Research Laboratory and a public Aquarium with an extensive Education Department, Mote is in a unique position – and has a special obligation – to help improve science education in the community. Informal science education is a key part of Mote’s 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, the blueprint guiding Mote’s efforts in marine research, education and outreach designed to meet the critical needs facing our oceans and positively impact society for years to come.
Mote’s goal is to increase awareness and interest in STEM careers. One extremely effective approach Mote teaches STEM is by informal science education. Reports by the National Research Council confirm that informal education provided by zoos and aquariums sparks curiosity and interest in science and improves science-learning outcomes.
Mote’s Education Department provides STEM education through a wide variety of on-campus, regional and distance/digital education programs. This grant will allow Mote to take its science programming directly to targeted, underserved audiences after school and during the summer at regional organizations.
Some after-school STEM programs focus on encouraging young girls’ interest in and confidence about STEM careers. For a variety of reasons, some girls may begin to lose interest (and confidence in their abilities) in math and science in middle school. Mote's after school programs include research activities, engaging hands-on experiences, female scientist mentors and field trips to Mote to make science exciting, accessible and achievable for young girls.
Other programs target at-risk teen members of the underserved community to provide positive role models, build character and teach important life skills with the ultimate goals of inspiring teens to actively take part in positive environmentally focused activities, pursue higher education and seek out science careers.
“We are grateful for Publix’s continued support of Mote’s marine science education outreach programs,” said Aly Busse, Assistant Vice President of Mote Education. “Each year, Publix Super Markets Charities helps us change the lives of children in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, particularly by providing them Mote research-based marine education programs and inspiring them to be better stewards of the marine environment.”