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- Posted Monday July 29, 2013
$20,000 APS Foundation grant helps fund TGen2School education initiative
Science kits, TGen guidance, provide teachers with effective tools for students
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - July 29, 2013 - A $20,000
grant from the APS Foundation will help the Translational Genomics
Research Institute (TGen) expand its TGen2School initiative by
providing science kits and instruction in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math (STEM) education.
The kits and accompanying instruction for teachers are part of the
TGen2School initiative at TGen's Pathogen Genomics Division - TGen
North - in Flagstaff, where some of the world's top experts in
disease-causing microorganisms study everything from valley fever
to MRSA and even anthrax and plague.
TGen North's Bio-SEEK: Bio-Science Education Enrichments Kits
Program provides five different types of bioscience education kits
for teachers and their students. The goal is improved overall
scientific literacy, and a better-prepared bioscience
workforce.
The program includes instructional sessions to help educators use
the kits to teach such concepts as infectious disease and genomic
testing methods, biosafety procedures, bioinformatics, and how DNA
is used in forensics, public health and other life sciences.
"These are ideal tools that teachers can use to convey complex
concepts in ways students can easily absorb, and it lessens the
burden on the pocketbooks of teachers," said Zsuzsi Kovacs, TGen
North'sSTEM Education Coordinator. "These kits are built on
next-generation science standards and bioscience basics that
students need to succeed in the genome-age."
TGen will provide instruction for teachers during professional
development days at TGen North, 3051 W. Shamrell Blvd., southeast
of Interstate 17 and the exit to the Flagstaff Pulliam
Airport.
"Commercial bioscience kits often contain limited directions,
making teaching concepts challenging when teachers already have so
much on their plate," Kovacs said. "With professional development
and teacher-friendly directions, educators will be able to adapt
them in a way that is best for their students."
Thanks to the APS Foundation's grant, the newly developed kits
will be provided at no charge through a checkout system available
to teachers who have attended the professional training.
TGen2School initiative aligns with the goals of David Engelthaler,
TGen North's Director of Programs and Operations, one of the
leaders in STEM education in Flagstaff, which in 2012 became the
nation's first STEM City.
"With initial funding from the Flagstaff Community Foundation
(FCF) and others, we have placed a concerted effort into our
TGen2School program," said Engelthaler, a former State
Epidemiologist for the State of Arizona. "We are so excited that
the APS Foundation has decided to help us. Their grant will allow
us to grow and expand our program in a direction that better meets
the needs of our teachers."
The grant to TGen North was one of 15, totaling more than
$500,000, made by the Foundation to non-profit organizations
throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Of the 30 fastest growing
occupations projected through 2016, more than half will require
mastery of STEM subjects, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
"We at the APS Foundation applaud the efforts of all the
organizations who received the grants," said Julie Coleman,
Executive Director of the APS Foundation. "We are pleased to be
able to help support and encourage non-profits who engage in
promoting STEM education, and other educational efforts, to
increase student achievement. Success in education will result in a
healthy society, strong economy and robust Arizona."
APS Foundation applications and more information about grant
eligibility can be found at aps.com/corporategiving.
Foundation dollars are funded entirely by Pinnacle West Capital
Corp. shareholders and have no impact on APS customers' utility
rates.
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About APS Foundation
The APS Foundation is committed to making an impact in Arizona
communities and does so by supporting nonprofits throughout the
state that advance knowledge in the field of STEM (science,
technology, engineering and math) education. The Foundation
supports a range of STEM programs including a signature initiative
that focuses on supporting teachers by developing content knowledge
in the STEM subjects, as well as strong pedagogical skills. The
goal of the Foundation is to best equip the next generation of
Arizona's workforce and keep the state strong and competitive.
Privately endowed by Pinnacle West Capital Corp. in 1981 as an
independent 501(c)(3) organization, the APS Foundation distributes
funds through a bi-annual grant process. Since its inception, it
has invested more than $31 million in Arizona nonprofits. For more
information, please visit aps.com/corporategiving.
Media Contact:
Betty Dayyo
602-250-2309
aps.com/newsroom
About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
