FCPS Receives $2 Million Grant from DoDEA Supporting STEAM
Fifty-three public schools in Fairfax County are designated as Purple Star Schools. These schools are recognized by the Virginia Department of Education for their excellence in supporting military connected children and their families. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to support more than 14,000 military-connected students and their families each year.
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Programs (MCASP) has awarded a $2 million grant to FCPS to support a “Code UP!” project.
Code UP! will provide programming in 13 schools in Regions 3 and 4 (10 elementary, two middle schools, and one high school), all of which have 10% or more military-connected students and a high percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced-price meals. Curriculum resources developed through this program will benefit students division wide.
This five-year grant will increase student access to Computer Science (CS) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning experiences to advance math learning goals and spark interest in STEAM and CS careers.
For elementary schools, Code UP! will provide students with engineering and computer science learning experiences that enhance student understanding of math. It may also support instructional materials such as robotics, field trips, increased access to FCPS summer programs, and after-school programs. Educators will have support from a centrally-based resource teacher.
For middle and high schools, Code UP! will increase opportunities for students to engage in STEAM and CS career experiences. It will support students with navigating myriad pathways to STEAM and CS careers. Code UP! can provide access to field trips, instructional materials, FCPS summer programs, after-school programs, and Technology Student Association activities.
School year 2022-23 is a planning year, followed by four years of program implementation (SY24-27). Participating schools include:
- Fort Hunt Elementary School
- Gunston Elementary School
- Halley Elementary School
- Keene Mill Elementary School
- Kings Glen Elementary School
- Kings Park Elementary School
- Lane Elementary School
- Rolling Valley Elementary School
- South County High School
- South County Middle School
- Stratford Landing Elementary
- White Oaks Elementary School
- Whitman Middle School
For more information, contact Nancy Rowland, grant project director, at [email protected] or 571-423-3772.
