Press Release Details

New grant awards from the Toshiba America Foundation to support exciting Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) education programs in grades 6-12

NEW YORK, NY, May 3, 2022-- The Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) today announced over $45,000 in grants for 11 innovative classroom STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic) projects in grades K through 12.

The grants will allow students to learn about biology, chemistry, engineering, math, physics, and environmental science. Additionally, the grants will address local community issues with innovative hands-on lessons, such as genetics, marine science, and sustainability initiatives – the common thread across all 11 projects is that they incorporate novel ways to introduce STEM disciplines into the classroom.

One such grant is for Dr. Amit Basu and Mr. Spencer Malloy from G.W. Carver High School of Engineering & Science, Philadelphia, PA. Their students will discover mutations in the Human and Wisconsin Fast Plant genome using specific PCR based markers and build genotype/phenotype models. This project will bring actual laboratory molecular science techniques into the classroom increasing engagement, understanding, and career interest among high school students at an Engineering and Science-focused public magnet school. TAF grant will be used to purchase electrophoresis equipment and centrifuges to conduct hands-on projects connecting biology, anatomy and biotechnology concepts with the students and their family lives such as genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia (SCD) and Beta thalassemia which are prevalent among African- American population.

"STEM occupations play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy,” said John Anderson, President, TAF. “STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. The grants being awarded by TAF will make the STEM classroom more exciting for both teachers and students – and result in more students becoming engaged in this crucial field."

TAF’s grants take a “direct-to-teacher” approach by aiming to fund projects designed by innovative classroom teachers, which brings immediate results. Teachers are able to enhance the way they teach STEM subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and project-based learning in the curriculum. TAF believes that learning STEM subjects through this type of experience is a lot more fun and engaging than just reading a textbook.

STEM educators interested in applying for a K-5 TAF grant should apply here by Oct. 1. STEM educators interested in applying for a 6-12 TAF grant can apply here. The deadlines for > $5K are May 1 and Nov. 1. The deadlines for < $5K are March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 1.

About Toshiba America Foundation

Founded in 1990 with support from Toshiba Corporation and the Toshiba America Group Companies, Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) is a non-profit grant making organization dedicated to helping classroom teachers make STEM learning fun and successful for K to 12 students in U.S. schools. TAF grants support public and nonprofit private schools throughout the United States.  For more information, please visit: www.toshiba.com/taf.

Toshiba America Foundation Contact:

Mizuho Fischer at mizuho.fischer@toshiba.com

A list of TAF Grant Recipients: