NEF CyberLearning Offers STEM Grants to Schools Nationally

--Also Guarantees Student Performance-the first such guarantee

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National Education Foundation - CyberLearning

Dec 17, 2014, 08:45 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Education Foundation (NEF), the national non-profit leader in STEM+ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, English, Social Studies, SAT/ACT, IT, Business, Desktop) education solution, is offering $100 million matching grants to disadvantaged school districts.

NEF would provide 50% matching grant, and will assist the applicants to gain the other 50% from Federal sources, such as QZAB (see www.qzab.org).

NEF Chairman, Dr. Appu Kuttan states, "The U.S. is falling behind globally in STEM education. We have 4 million jobs looking for STEM-skilled workers. To solve our serious STEM shortage problem, and thus help U.S. maintain its global economic and technology leadership, we need to set up world-class STEM programs in our schools. Our initiative aims to do exactly that."

In order to be eligible for the grant, a K-12 school district or school should have 35% or more students on Free/Reduced cost lunch.

NEF will provide grants; on a first-come first-serve basis to school districts across the U.S. insuring that at least one school district is chosen from each state.

The State University of New York (SUNY) will assist the chosen grant recipients to implement a STEM academy total system solution that includes personalized learning, teacher stipends, teacher training as well as student motivational rewards such as SUNY certificates, iPods and gift certificates.

In the NEF-supported STEM academies, students advanced a grade level in a subject like math in 27 learning hours, at a fraction of typical Title I cost, during the 2013-14 school year, according to the SUNY evaluation.

Based on the success of the 2013-14 results, NEF plans to guarantee student performance in the chosen school districts.

The NEF grant also provides training for teachers and parents in personal and professional development.

NEF Chairman, Dr, Appu Kuttan states, "The U.S. is falling behind globally in STEM education. We have 4 million jobs looking for STEM-skilled workers. To solve our serious STEM shortage problem, and thus help U.S. maintain its global economic and technology leadership, we need to set up world-class STEM programs in our schools. Our initiative aims to do exactly that."

Former President Bill Clinton complimented NEF's efforts by stating, "You are helping to empower tomorrow's leaders. I salute you for your ongoing commitment for creating a better and stronger America."

Interested school districts can contact NEF for more information and application at 703-823-9999 or [email protected].

About NEF
The National Education Foundation (NEF) is the national non-profit leader in bridging the academic and job skills divides by providing world-class education solutions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), English, test prep, digital literacy, IT, business and management and soft skills to millions of disadvantaged students and adults. See www.cyberlearning.org.

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SOURCE National Education Foundation - CyberLearning