Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium education program receives boost from local foundation

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
From left, Easterseals educator Michele Kolp and Mote Community Engagement Coordinator Alison Goldy examine a snail with Easterseals student Gabriel Silverio. Mote recently received a $10,000 grant to support its C-STEM Program.
From left, Easterseals educator Michele Kolp and Mote Community Engagement Coordinator Alison Goldy examine a snail with Easterseals student Gabriel Silverio. Mote recently received a $10,000 grant to support its C-STEM Program.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has received a $10,000 grant from The Weichel Family Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation to support its C-STEM Program.

The grant will be used in the 2022-23 program year to fund monthly educational programming in Manatee County throughout the academic year and supplemental sessions during the summer for roughly 1,300 Manatee County students.

Since 2014, Mote’s C-STEM Program has collaborated with community organizations to bring science to life for the individuals they serve. Mote educators make the program fully accessible by offering programming free of charge and conducting programming on-site, eliminating transportation costs and economic barriers for partners that may otherwise lack access to meaningful STEM experiences.

From left, Easterseals student Nick Gerardo, Easterseals educator Raina Anderson and Easterseals student Devin Kelly enjoy dipping into a STEM educational experience.
From left, Easterseals student Nick Gerardo, Easterseals educator Raina Anderson and Easterseals student Devin Kelly enjoy dipping into a STEM educational experience.

Partner organizations also receive Educator Guides so they can build on new knowledge and facilitate extension activities.

The C-STEM Program has been providing hands-on STEM educational experiences to a diverse population of students. Working in partnership with alternative schools and afterschool programs throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, the initiative leverages Mote science and educators to engage participants in highly interactive learning experiences.

Each monthly session consists of a 45-minute program geared toward raising environmental awareness, inspiring interest in STEM, imparting new skills, and preparing older students for college or a career. Sessions include specialized instruction with students engaging with Mote educators and other hands-on activities.

Topics vary from the impacts of ocean acidification to shark conservation and sustainable fisheries.

“We are so grateful for Mote’s dedication to ensure that disadvantaged girls have equal access to programs that educate, motivate and inspire,” said Lena Neal, academic manager at Pace Center for Girls Manatee.

Mote, a leader in marine STEM education for K-12 students, is committed to providing grade-level STEM education experiences for underrepresented and underserved students. By 2030, Mote aims to increase the percentage of historically underrepresented and underserved populations participating in Mote educational programming to half of all participants.

“While working with these students, it's incredible to watch them grow through our in-person outreaches, and it's even more special when they are able to visit Mote Aquarium to participate in activities to which they would otherwise not have access,” Mote Community Engagement Coordinator Alison Goldy said. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity are inspiring and contagious.”

Submitted by Sean Stover

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium receives funding for STEM education