Biogen Idec Foundation and TCF award Science Grants

Contact

Kelly Mauldin Harrell
Director of Communications

919.474.8370 ext:125
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

December 12, 2011

Awards Grants in Science Education
Grants will expand and enhance science education for area schools and non-profits

Research Triangle Park, N.C. (December 12, 2011)—The Biogen Idec Foundation together with the Triangle Community Foundation today announced it has awarded 17 grants totaling nearly $30,000 to Triangle area schools and non-profits as part of its Micro-Grants in Science Education program. The program provides small, one-time grants ranging from $250 - $2,500 to schools and non-profits to support science education initiatives.

Triangle Community Foundation, which administers the program, received 32 applications from schools and non-profits for this fourth cycle of funding. Examples of grant recipients and their supported initiatives include:

The Emily K Center (Durham County) for elementary and middle school students to explore life science topics of their own choosing during the Summer Scholars program

Boys and Girls Club of Wake County supporting their Science Saturdays program in which NC State University students majoring in pre-health lead life science education projects for youth

Neal Middle School (Durham County) for gel electrophoresis kits to support DNA analysis labs for 7th and 8th grade students

“The Biogen Idec Foundation’s micro-grant initiative perfectly reflects the spirit of Research Triangle Park,” said Lori O’Keefe, Vice President for Philanthropic Services and Chief Operating Officer of Triangle Community Foundation. “The collaboration between the business, nonprofit and education communities is what gives the Triangle its distinctive edge in today’s knowledge-based economy and provides great promise for the future.”
Other grant recipients are:

A.V. Baucom Elementary for their “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Baucom EcoHeroes Unite!” program

Chatham Education Foundation to fund Creative Teaching Grants

Durham Nativity School for hands-on science kits

Exploris Middle School for “iPads for Science Literacy”

Frances Lacy Elementary School for “Science Kits for Inquiry Learning at Lacy (SKILL)”

Kestrel Heights School to establish a robotics program

Loaves and Fishes Ministry for “Exploration Station: Science is Cool!” fieldtrips

Marbles Kids Museum supporting “Born to Be Wild” IMAX learning lab program

Northwood High School for experimental exploration of North Carolina ecosystems

Overhills Middle School for gel electrophoresis kits

Phoenix Academy supporting inquiry-based biology experiences

SEEDS for “Urban Earth” programming

South Granville High School for “Modeling Biology” implementation

Southern Lee High School for Destiny Bus visits

“The Triangle area’s schools and non-profits are doing wonderful work opening the doors of science to our young people. Through this program with the Triangle Community Foundation, we’re pleased to support a number of them in their efforts to help ensure kids see how science can be fun and play a role in producing better outcomes in society,” said Machelle Sanders, Member of the Board of Directors of the Biogen Idec Foundation.

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 HERE.

Triangle Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that manages $140 million in funds established by individuals, businesses and families. From these funds, the foundation gives grants to nonprofit organizations and administers a variety of programs for the community’s benefit. For more on the Foundation, click HERE.