The New Jersey Chemistry Council Education Foundation, which has raised more than $225,000 to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and the many opportunities available in the business of chemistry, formally presented to the Trenton 9th Grade Academy a $20,000 donation to help furnish the school’s science lab.

To help stimulate young students to explore and consider STEM education and careers, and to complement the many other programs both at the state and national level fostering more diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM education and workforce, CCNJ staff reached out to Trenton 9th Grade Academy to discuss their needs and how we could help build out their science lab.

Science teacher, Gabrielle Flora, created a post on a popular website that provides funding for teachers and schools, seeking to raise funds to help furnish a proper science lab for her students, and to ensure their ability to conduct simple science experiments, which are part of the curriculum, but in their current situation could not take place.

In her post Ms. Flora wrote: “We are a science lab with no lab materials! To create a dynamic science curriculum, I need to remodel my classroom to include engaging lab simulations, learning stations, and project-based learning corners in the classroom.”

Realizing the proximity of the school to CCNJ’s office, Trenton native and CCNJ’s deputy executive director, Elvin Montero, reached out to begin discussions on how we could help.

Through the generous donations of various companies and individuals, our Foundation was able to raise the full amount needed to help Trenton 9th Grade Academy.

“I am so proud of our member companies and their staff for hearing our call to help Ms. Flora’s science students,” said Dennis Hart, executive director, Chemistry Council of New Jersey. “We hope that this donation will help outfit a classroom that stimulates their young minds with a fully functioning science lab, allowing them to immerse themselves in real-life experiments.”

“It is our hope that students are excited about the possibilities of science and consider pursuing a STEM career as they progress in their education,” added Elvin Montero.

School and administration officials met with CCNJ staff to share the plans for the science lab and discuss opportunities to collaborate with industry in the future.

If you would like to support Ms. Flora’s classroom directly, you can also donate to https://www.donorschoose.org/classroom/ms-flora.