The Exelon Foundation Pledges $450,000 for ASPIRA of PA STEM Curriculum

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 09, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "STEM," an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, continues to be a buzzword in many education circles. As more and more school districts seek to bolster their STEM programs to better equip their students with relevant 21st century knowledge and skills, ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania (ASPIRA of PA) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Exelon Foundation (http://www.exelonfoundation.org) and PECO (https://www.peco.com).

Continuing their longstanding relationship with ASPIRA of PA, the Exelon Foundation and PECO have committed $450,000 over the next three years to help develop a robust STEM program that will be implemented in all ASPIRA of PA schools and enrichment programs. The Exelon Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization funded by energy company Exelon. PECO, a Philadelphia-based electric and natural gas utility, is an Exelon subsidiary.

"Math, science and engineering are highly valued skills in the leaders of tomorrow, especially in the energy industry," said Steve Solomon, president of the Exelon Foundation. "We must do all we can to engage and support students who show interest and talent in these subjects. It is with great pleasure that we continue our successful partnership with ASPIRA of PA and work together to advance these ideals."

Funds from the grant will be used renovate science labs, purchase new materials and equipment, and coordinate a district-wide science fair for all ASPIRA of PA schools. In addition, grant funds will also help open a Community Technology Center for adults and a Nature Trail at ASPIRA of PA's Educational Campus. This generous funding will allow ASPIRA of PA to further its mission of empowering the North Philadelphia community through advocacy, and the education and leadership development of its youth.

Alfredo Calderon, ASPIRA of PA's Executive Director, provided the following statement: "ASPIRA of PA is sincerely grateful for the Exelon Foundation's support of our local schools and PECO's continued partnership to consistently advance STEM education. These relationships are vital to the advancement of our community and have a lasting, positive impact on our families and children."

The grant is part of an ongoing effort by the Exelon Foundation and PECO to invest in STEM education to develop a competitive workforce of the future in the Philadelphia area. The organizations have committed nearly $2.5 million in grants to help expand STEM education programs in eight area schools, including initiatives to integrate math and science into curricula, establish STEM performance measures, and share best practices with the School District of Philadelphia.

ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to empower the North Philadelphia community through advocacy, and the education and leadership development of its youth. In addition to its vast array of extended learning programs, ASPIRA of PA also manages five charter schools and a preschool. Please visit http://aspirapa.org to learn more.

# # #