By Diana Whittle
As the global workplace becomes even more competitive, schools share in what has become a basic economic tenet: students who develop technology skills hold a much greater chance of landing jobs than their less-savvy counterparts. Affiliated with one of the world’s most recognizable financial-services companies, Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. takes its knowledge seriously and has put that knowledge to work. As part of a philanthropic outreach, D&B made a $4,100 contribution to the Tempe Elementary School District in support of the STEM program at Fees College Preparatory Middle School. The Fees approach focuses on teaching students science, technology, engineering and math, known as the STEM group of initiatives. It was that approach that enabled Fees to receive D&B’s EdAhead Challenge Grant. Approximately 165 sixth-, seventh- and eighthgrade students are enrolled in the STEM-based curriculum at Fees, and about 40 more participate in an after-school STEM club, according to Kacy S. Baxter, Fees principal. “Tyler Chandler is the teacher, and he does an amazing job. He is dynamic, energetic and excited about the content he teaches,” said Baxter. The donation allows the school enough funds to purchase and maintain additional equipment for its STEM lab, replace consumable materials for all STEM classes, provide a STEM-student field trip to the Arizona Science Lab, participate in the city of Tempe’s Geeks Night Out, and enter in STEM competitions. The program requires an application, which can be made during the school’s open enrollment period, now taking place. “Students are currently expressing interest in STEM for the 2015-2016 school year, as they enroll or complete their registration. Our focus in the STEM curriculum is to prepare youth for the changing workforce,” said Baxter. “STEM is the wave of the future and prepares students for college degrees and jobs that don’t yet exist,” she said. “When I became principal two years ago, our data showed a weakness in the area of mathematics, and that the majority of students didn’t see the need for math later in their lives. “STEM is a logical choice since it not only provides a vehicle for students to apply their mathematical skills, but it also shows them how these skills transfer to real life.” “The EdAhead program was created to support the next generation of leaders and innovators, so we are thrilled to help support these young, aspiring students who are interested in pursuing technology and engineering,” said Jeff Stibel, chairman and CEO of Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp, which is based in California with an office in Phoenix. “We encourage other local businesses to join us in support of public education in the local area.” Dun & Bradstreet Credibility’s contribution is made through its EdAhead initiative, which is the nation’s first education savings program with a multiple match. The company first matches employees’ annual contributions to their 529 college education plans up to a certain amount. Employee-matched contributions then activate a second match, with the aggregate per office donated to the local public school systems. The contribution to Tempe’s elementary school district is based on the matched amount of contributions that the company’s local employees made to their 529 education accounts. Baxter said Fees will put the funds to good use. “The additional support allows us to expand and enhance our (STEM) program, which ultimately benefits our students and paves the way for their future.” For more information on Fees College Preparatory Middle School visit www.tempeschools.org
