Biogen Idec Foundation in Collaboration with Cambridge Community Foundation Awards Grants in Science Education

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--()--The Biogen Idec Foundation today announced it has awarded $33,279 in grants to Cambridge, Somerville and Weston classrooms as part of its Micro-Grants in Science Education program. This is the sixth year the Cambridge Community Foundation (CCF) has administered this program for the Biogen Idec Foundation. The program provides small, one-time grants ranging from $250 - $2,500 to enhance science education.

The Micro-Grants in Science Education program received 24 applications for grants this year from local schools and non-profits. Examples of projects funded include:

  • Breakthrough Greater Boston for the purchase of microscopes to be used in its science programs for 7th-9th grade students;
  • Cambridge Rindge and Latin School to give special education students with cognitive and visual disabilities access to freshman physics equipment;
  • City Sprouts in Cambridge to develop and implement a biology component for its summer youth program;
  • Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park for SMART Response XE Responders for middle school science classes;
  • Putnam Avenue Upper School for a field trip to the Robotics Engineering Workshop at the MIT Museum for seventh grade students;
  • Somerville High School for a 3D printer and materials to enhance engineering classes, and
  • Weston High School for summer programs that prepare METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc.) students for Biology and Chemistry success.

“It is vital that we remain committed partners in building strong communities and providing opportunities that encourage children to develop a love for science and learning,” shared Tony Kingsley, Chairman, Biogen Idec Foundation. “Looking to the future, we will continue to pursue opportunities to interact with, educate and inspire the next generation of scientists and STEM leaders.”

“In an age where innovation is key to the future of our communities, our economy and our environment, I’m excited to see the creative hands-on projects coming out of this collaboration between a very community-minded Biogen Idec Foundation, schools, after-school programs and our community foundation,” said Bob Hurlbut, Executive Director of Cambridge Community Foundation.

Other grants include nine additional grants in Cambridge to:

  • Cambridge Community Center for the STEM component of its year-round out of school time program;
  • Cambridge Rindge and Latin School for its FIRST Robotics Team;
  • Cambridge Rindge and Latin School for force sensors to enhance physics for ninth graders;
  • Community Charter School of Cambridge for dissecting microscopes, an incubator and refrigerator to facilitate work in 11th grade biology;
  • Fletcher Maynard Academy for a kindergarten field trip to Ecotarium;
  • Putnam Avenue Upper School for materials to enable 8th grade students to build biomimetic robots;
  • Putnam Avenue Upper School to support stop-motion animation projects;
  • Tobin Montessori School Upper Elementary for digital microscopes for 4th and 5th grade science classes, and
  • Tutoring Plus for hands-on Science Explorers and Future Engineers projects during out-of-school time.

The following additional grants were made to Somerville High School:

  • for Biology and Oceanography student field trips Spectacle Island, and
  • for Chemistry students to visit the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, Harvard Museum of Natural History.

The Biogen Idec Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of peoples' lives and contribute to the vitality of the communities in which the company operates, with a special emphasis on innovative ways to promote science literacy and encourage young people to consider science careers. Additional information about the Biogen Idec Foundation can be found at http://www.biogenidec.com/citizenship_biogen_idec_foundation.html

The Cambridge Community Foundation supports a broad range of agencies that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and backgrounds from Cambridge and surrounding communities (see www.cambridgecf.org).

Contacts

Cambridge Community Foundation
Bob Hurlbut, 617-576-9966
Executive Director

Release Summary

Biogen Idec Foundation in Collaboration with Cambridge Community Foundation Awards Grants in Science Education

Contacts

Cambridge Community Foundation
Bob Hurlbut, 617-576-9966
Executive Director