Phil Ammann
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium “hauled in” a $25,000 contribution this week to help underserviced local students.
The donation from telecommunications giant AT&T will go toward afterschool programs that give 11- to 14-year-old students hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
A presentation ceremony Friday included a boat ride in Clearwater Bay pulling a net containing a oversized AT&T check. Leading the event were David Yates, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and state Rep. Ed Narain, who also serves as an AT&T regional director.
CMA afterschool math and science programs supports Title I schools – where 40 percent or more of the student body comes from low-income families. The goal is to help bridge the “middle school juncture,” a point where many students lose interest in STEM subjects. Among the projects offered are sleepover programs, seasonal camps, group visits and other fun educational programs.
In 2014, the CMA educational facility helped nearly 9,800 students, as well as 24,102 guests, from schools, scout groups, and senior centers to learn more about the ocean environment.
