National PTA Announces STEM + Families Grant Program

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Aug. 25, 2017)—National PTA announced today that $100,000 in funding will be awarded to PTAs across the country this school year to increase family engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The funding is part of National PTA’s STEM + Families initiative.

“We know—and decades of research proves—that families play a critical role in children’s success. We also know that parents and guardians have the biggest influence on a child’s educational and career decisions,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “Family engagement is essential to strengthen STEM education, bridge the STEM gap and help all children realize their fullest potential. National PTA is excited to further our STEM + Families initiative and equip PTAs and schools nationwide with resources to engage families in STEM education.”

With the funding, PTAs and schools will:

• Engage families using hands-on learning experiences at PTA STEM + Families Events
• Educate families about STEM literacy, STEM careers and STEM education pathways and empower them to support their children’s success in STEM
• Connect families and students to STEM enrichment and professional mentors

The funding will be granted in phases. An initial 35 $1,000 National PTA STEM + Families Math Grants, sponsored by Mathnasium, will be awarded this fall to council and local PTAs selected through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The deadline to apply for this first wave of grants is Aug. 31, 2017.

“Mathnasium is excited to build on our relationship with National PTA by sponsoring the STEM + Families Math Grants,” said Peter Markovitz, founder and chief executive officer of Mathnasium. “We’re honored to work side by side with the dedicated parent leaders of PTA to engage families in math nights, promote the awareness of STEM education and careers, and pursue our mission that all children should understand and master math.”

Another $65,000 in National PTA STEM + Families Science Grants, sponsored by Bayer, will be awarded to state, council and local PTAs selected through a second RFP that will be launched later in the 2017-2018 school year.

“Bayer is committed to providing comprehensive, impactful, hands-on programs that will help more families become engaged in science,” said Sarah Toulouse, executive director, Bayer USA Foundation. “We are pleased to support National PTA in their efforts to achieve this goal through STEM + Families.”

In addition to the grant program, National PTA is pleased to announce that logic and STEM game maker ThinkFun has become a new supporting sponsor of STEM + Families. As part of ThinkFun’s support of the initiative, the company will donate educational games to all National PTA STEM + Families grant recipients in the coming school year.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

 About Mathnasium

Mathnasium, the nation’s leading math-only learning center franchise, specializes in teaching kids math in a way that makes sense to them. The result of 40+ years of instruction and research, the Mathnasium Method has transformed the way children understand and appreciate math—whether they’re ahead of the curve, performing at grade level, or falling behind. Franchising since 2003, Mathnasium has become one of the fastest-growing educational franchises, with a new center opening each week. There are more than 800 Mathnasium franchises in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit Mathnasium.com or call (877) 601-MATH.

About Bayer 
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2016, the Group employed around 115,200 people and had sales of EUR 46.8 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.7 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.

About ThinkFun Inc.
For over 30 years, ThinkFun Inc. has been dedicated to creating games that spark curiosity, cultivate confidence, and nurture life-long learners. Its games encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), while generating excitement for a world of learning through play. Innovation, creativity, value, and fun are the four elements that comprise the development of every game. Ignite the mind, and change the world for each player.

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

[email protected], (703) 518-1242

National PTA and Virginia PTA Statement on Racial Violence in Charlottesville, Va.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Aug. 17, 2017)—National PTA President Jim Accomando and Virginia PTA President Sarah Gross issued the following statement regarding the racial violence that occurred in Charlottesville, Va.:

“National PTA, Virginia PTA and PTAs across the country denounce the racial violence that transpired during the ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville. The acts of hate go against PTA and our nation’s values of diversity, inclusion and respect. Our condolences go out to the community and the families impacted by the violence.

“National PTA Cofounder Alice McLellan Birney stated in 1898: ‘The National Congress of Mothers, irrespective of creed, color or condition, stands for all parenthood, childhood, homehood.’ Those words, true in 1898, are even truer today.

“It is urgent that we understand, value and embrace the uniqueness of all individuals, appreciating that each contributes a diversity of views, experiences, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities, values and preferences which enriches and strengthens our nation.

“PTAs are uniquely qualified to recognize, address and honor the diversity of our communities and play an important role in helping to create inclusive school environments and ensuring that all families are welcomed and engaged. Effective family engagement must include a robust diversity and inclusion plan so all families feel invited and are equipped with the tools to support their child and improve the school, which makes a difference for every child and is the purpose and mission of PTA.

“National PTA has developed a variety of tools and resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/Diversity to help school communities embrace diversity and inclusion. Our association also offers tips to help families and educators have conversations with their children about incidents such as the racial violence in Charlottesville and use such situations to reinforce family and community values and beliefs. The tips can be accessed at PTA.org.

“We know that although our differences matter, PTA’s mission to support all families and make every child’s potential a reality is what brings us together. We have the tools and resources to provide families with comfort, solace, advice and assistance. And when we are truly inclusive, we are an even more powerful voice for all children.”

 About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

About Virginia PTA

Virginia PTA is a volunteer, child advocacy association comprised of hundreds of thousands of families, students, teachers, administrators and community partners working for all children and youth in the Commonwealth. The primary goal of the Virginia PTA is to strengthen our family units, our schools and our communities through parent/family involvement. Virginia PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) association and recognizes parents as the first educators in the home and works to promote parents as partners in the school. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit VAPTA.org.

Save the Date! Upcoming National PTA Events

Save the Date: Two PTA Live! Events Mark your calendars for two PTA Live! events on Facebook. Both events highlight the 2017-2018 National PTA Back-to-School Kit. Wednesday, August 16, 2 p.m. EDT  Join us THIS WEEK for an overview of the website, registration and a look at the Recruitment Tool and calendar that all registrants will receive in the mail. Friday, August 25, 1 p.m. EDT Join our Director of Education & Leadership Development, Mary Pat King, as she highlights brand new sections, content and explains why this year’s kit is even easier to use than before. Be sure to have your questions and comments ready for both PTA Live! events.  And don’t forget to register for the 2017-2018 Back-to-School kit at PTA.org/BTSKRegister! National PTA Headquarters 1250 N. Pitt Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 PTA.org Phone: (703) 518-1200 Toll Free: (800) 307-4782 Fax: (703) 836-0942 E-mail: [email protected]

1250 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314