The Foundry is excited to announce it has been awarded $225,000 from Foundation 214 to sustain the next three years of expanded afterschool STEAM programming for middle schools in Buffalo Charter and Public School District.
Afterschool programs with The Foundry provide an arts, design, and technology educational experience that is hands-on and transformative to underserved Buffalo youths. Foundry programming focuses on assisting students develop lifelong science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) skills where students increase their confidence and explore possible careers in STEAM fields. The skills learned in The Foundry’s afterschool programs focus on understanding of STEAM subjects, career pathways, and job readiness, and help to develop personal growth in life-based skills that contribute towards a sustainable and successful future.
Executive Director, Chris Alfiero stated “Foundation 214 is proud to support our youngest generation in pursuing their goals in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Early introduction to these disciplines will invigorate young minds to properly chart their individual courses and steer them to their successes. And their successes will in turn, benefit us all.”
“Receiving multi-year support from Foundation214 will ensure The Foundry can increase its impact for afterschool youth in Buffalo schools. Through our work at area schools, students enhance their design, mathematics, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, fun afterschool environment. Most importantly, students will be aware of the vast array of careers in STEAM/STEM and inspire students to seek out additional opportunities in these fields,” says Megan McNally, executive director of The Foundry.
Currently, The Foundry hosts four days of afterschool programming for 5-8th grade students at Buffalo Public School 89 Dr. Lydia T Wright School of Excellence and Buffalo Collegiate Charter School, with plans to expand this programming to five days a week. Students have been working on their own designs of futuristic cities, to be on display at Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 17.
About The Foundry
Established in 2013, The Foundry uses an inclusive approach to advancing individuals through hands-on learning, entrepreneurship and exposure to possibilities. The Foundry works with youth to explore various career paths, hands-on skill-building and new digital literacies by facilitating opportunities through in-school, afterschool and workforce development programs.
The Foundry believes that creating opportunities necessary for self-sufficiency and economic stability promotes a healthier community and provides budding entrepreneurs from throughout the city with affordable rental space, connections to mentoring, business classes, and connections to local support services.
For more information visit www.foundrybuffalo.org.
About Foundation 214
Foundation 214 is a family-funded charitable foundation focused on finding effective tools to help improve the lives of children, the elderly and veterans of the various branches of the United States military through the vehicles of education and healthcare.
For more information visit www.foundation214.org