The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Supporting STEM
WORCESTER >> Worcester Elementary School fourthgraders recently accepted a $6,000 check from Ambler Savings Bank that will be used to expand the Methacton School District’s STEM education program.
The donation, made through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, will be used to enhance the district’s STEM education programs, including STEMaker space renovations at the elementary level, as well as additional equipment, such as 3D printers.
Erin Cohen, vice president and retail officer at Ambler Savings Bank, and Sabrina Haines, Ambler Savings Bank’s Fairview Village branch manager, visited the elementary school to check out a STEMakers class in action. Students were learning coding with Ozobots and Sphero robots; some were learning how green screens work, while others were learning about circuitry.
“We are thrilled to be working once again with the Methacton School District,” Cohen said. “Supporting the district’s STEM initiative at the elementary level teaches students the tools they need to be successful in whatever the future holds for them. These students are our future business leaders. We know the future of banking, and most other industries, is digital technology. Methacton graduates, because of STEM programming, will be ready to take on the business world and will continue to change it in big ways.”
“The foundation is fortunate to have such a wonderful partner who supports STEM and the important role it plays for the students of the Methacton School District,” said Nikki Krelovich, executive director of the Methacton Education Foundation. “STEM develops critical 21st Century Skills that are necessary for students to be successful. STEM helps children develop the four Cs: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. In elementary school, it begins with STEMaker Space, and it evolves as our students grow. Regardless of what careers our graduates pursue, Methacton is committed to developing the four Cs, and the Methacton Education Foundation is committed to partnering with companies like Ambler Savings Bank to make it happen.”
Pictured are, back row from left: Methacton School Board member Mary Hull, Ambler Savings Bank’s Fairview Village branch Manager Sabrina Haines, Methacton Education Foundation Executive Director Nikki Krelovich, Methacton School Board member Elizabeth Drummond, Ambler Savings Bank Vice President and Retail Officer Erin Cohen, Worcester Elementary librarian Kat Palkovics, technology teacher Brad Dale and Methacton Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe; front row: Worcester Elementary third- and fourthgrade students.