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The Florida Air Museum at SUN 'n FUN Launches STEMtastic Saturday Camps Powered By The Generous Support Of The Community Foundation Of Greater Lakeland SUN ‘n FUN CAMPUS, LAKELAND, FL – The Florida Air Museum (FAM) at SUN 'n FUN has received grant assistance from the Impact Lakeland initiative of the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland (CFGL) for development and administration of the Museum’s innovative “STEMtastic Saturday Camps,” an engaging series of one day weekend camps that will help middle school students improve their understanding and appreciation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) skills. The original partial support of $5,500 awarded by CFGL in January of this year has recently been supplemented by a generous contribution of $3,800 from the George Jenkins Fund within the CFGL to complete the grant request for the FAM program. “This valued support of CFGL now allows the Florida Air Museum’s Educational Department to implement an imaginative series of weekend activities that will provide students with fun educational experiences that relate math and engineering to real-life learning,” says John Burton, President of SUN ’n FUN Fly-In, Inc. “In recent years,” says Burton, “American student interest and achievement in math and science has declined and must be rekindled if our nation is to compete in the 21st century global economy. The camp curriculum is aligned with current Sunshine State Standards for FCAT preparation, with the goal of helping students demonstrate an improvement in STEM.” The Florida Air Museum STEMtastic camp program will offer a minimum of seven sessions planned throughout the academic year with each Saturday being devoted to a particular topic such as flight simulators, rocketry and robotics. Campers may choose to attend all sessions or pick a session that is of particular interest to him or her. The cost of each session will be $25; scholarships will be offered to qualifying students particularly targeting organizations such as Florida’s Take Stock in Children drop-out prevention program. For information about the Florida Air Museum’s camping programs call 863-904-4073, email educate@floridaairmuseum.org, or visit www.FloridaAirMuseum.org. The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland (CFGL) founded in 1997, is dedicated to strengthening the quality of life throughout the community, the CFGL works to encourage charitable giving in all of Polk County. In July 2000, the CFGL received IRS non-profit status, and was touted as the fastest-growing community foundation in the Southeast. Since its founding 14 years ago, the CFGL has distributed more than $65 million to charitable projects in the Greater Lakeland community. For more information, access the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland website (www.cfgl.org) or call the CFGL office (863–683–3131). SUN ’n FUN, a 501(c) (3) not–for–profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, is best known for its annual International Fly–In & Expo. The Fly-In event is the primary source of funding for SUN ’n FUN’s expanding year–round aviation education programs. These include operation of the Florida Air Museum, the state’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center.” In addition, SUN ’n FUN has initiated education programs for aviation enthusiasts of all ages – especially young people – featuring valuable “hands on” learning experiences, including the new Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) in partnership with the Polk County School Board, Polk State College, the University of South Florida Polytechnic, Gulf Coast Avionics and other education-minded organizations. A growing scholarship program provides financial support to ensure SUN ’n FUN’s education programs are accessible to all. For more information, access SUN ’n FUN’s website (www.sun-n-fun.org) or call the SUN ’n FUN offices (863–644–2431). |
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