Media Alert
Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Receives
$20,000 from Sea Research Foundation
STAMFORD, Conn. – On Thursday, May 24th, Sea Research Foundation of Mystic, Conn., parent organization of Mystic Aquarium, presented the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford with a check for $20,000 to help fund its operation of the Immersion Learning program, which offers after-school and summer programs to enrich the minds of Club members through exposure to the marine sciences.
Sea Research Foundation Vice President, Katie Cubina presented the award on behalf of CEO Dr. Stephen Coan. The partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford and the Sea Research Foundation began over a year ago with a seven week summer pilot program. Since that time eighty five Club youth, ages 8 – 15, have participated in this engaging, interactive S.T.E.M. program. The program makes use of a cutting edge Exploration Command Center, which allows users to virtually travel along on oceanographic expeditions conducted by Immersion's companion program, The JASON Project, led by Titanic discoverer and famed oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard.
In summer and after-school sessions, the students have learned about STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers, marine ecosystems, and the science and technology behind ocean exploration and Dr. Ballard’s ship the Nautilus. Club members also learned measurements such as weight and volume; studied salinity, tracked marine species, studied the importance of our world’s watersheds, learned about intertidal & deep sea zones and many other topics. This year’s program will concluded with a special trip to Mystic Aquarium, also generously sponsored by the Dr. Coan and the Sea Research Foundation.
About the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford
The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, Chartered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, provides a safe and positive environment for our area youth to take part in a wide variety of comprehensive youth development programs. The Club’s professional and supportive staff has designed enrichment activities which span five core program areas: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, The Arts, Health & Life Skills and Sports & Recreation. The Club serves approximately 1000 youth annually and is available to all youth, ages 6 -18.
About The JASON Project
The JASON Project is an independent nonprofit managed by Sea Research Foundation, Inc. and National Geographic Society in partnership with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). JASON programs reach more than 1.5 million students and teachers annually, and general audiences of six million.
For more information, contact:
Ken Salem
Boys & Girls Club of Stamford
203-324-0594
Erin Merz
Sea Research Foundation
860-572-5955 x338
