Atwell Gives Foundation Partners with Science Olympiad to Expand STEM Opportunities
The Atwell Gives Foundation has launched a new national partnership with Science Olympiad, one of the largest and most well-known STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) team competitions in the United States. As part of this collaboration, the Atwell Gives Foundation will serve as the National Title Sponsor for Science Olympiad’s Urban Schools Initiative (USI). This key program is dedicated to creating STEM pathways for underserved students, specifically in Title 1 schools in metropolitan areas across the country.
Expanding the Urban Schools Initiative
Since its inception in 2006, the Science Olympiad USI program has been successfully deployed in cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. This initiative aims to give students from underrepresented communities access to high-quality STEM education and competitive opportunities in various scientific disciplines. With the generous investment from the Atwell Gives Foundation, the program is poised for further expansion, ensuring that even more underserved students will benefit from the unique opportunities offered by Science Olympiad. Additionally, the funding will recognize and support high-need schools that already have existing Science Olympiad teams, helping them enhance their programs and expand their reach.
A Commitment to Local Communities
Atwell’s commitment to community support is longstanding, and their partnership with Science Olympiad underscores this dedication. Tim Augustine, Chief Corporate Officer at Atwell, shared his enthusiasm for the new initiative: “We are honored to partner with Science Olympiad, as many of our team members have a connection to the program, either as alumni or as parents or grandparents of participants. Our company has a history of supporting our local communities, and we look forward to supporting and volunteering at Science Olympiad schools and tournaments nationwide. Through this, we hope to share our team members’ skills and knowledge with the next generation of the STEM workforce.”
As the National Title Sponsor, the Atwell Gives Foundation will play an essential role in empowering the next generation of STEM professionals by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The foundation’s support will help foster an environment where students can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an engaging and hands-on way.
The Importance of STEM Education for Underserved Students
The Atwell Gives Foundation’s investment is particularly crucial given the impact of the pandemic on education systems across the country. Jenny Kopach, CEO of Science Olympiad, emphasized the growing need for initiatives like the Urban Schools Initiative, noting, “Programs like the Urban Schools Initiative are more necessary than ever since the pandemic. Schools in metro areas are the most in need of support, so this grant from the Atwell Gives Foundation comes at the perfect time.”
This partnership will not only provide a platform for students to showcase their STEM skills but also help pave the way for future careers in science and technology. By offering a structured and competitive environment, Science Olympiad allows students to cultivate teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills—all of which are essential for success in STEM fields. The program’s hands-on approach also empowers students to build practical knowledge in various areas of STEM, providing them with the foundation for future academic pursuits and careers.
A Major Investment in STEM Education
The Atwell Gives Foundation’s investment in the Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative is the largest contribution made by an independent donor to Science Olympiad’s programs. This significant donation not only supports existing Science Olympiad teams but also ensures that more students from underserved communities will have access to the program’s resources, mentorship, and competitions.
Science Olympiad is committed to making STEM education accessible to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, and this partnership will play a vital role in achieving that goal. By aligning with the Atwell Gives Foundation, Science Olympiad can expand its outreach and continue to provide opportunities for underrepresented students to participate in enriching STEM experiences that will shape their futures.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the Future STEM Workforce
Through this strategic partnership, the Atwell Gives Foundation and Science Olympiad aim to empower a new generation of students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As the initiative expands, it will continue to provide crucial STEM pathways for students in Title 1 schools across the country, breaking down barriers and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in these critical fields.
The partnership is not only about financial support but also about fostering long-term relationships with students, schools, and communities. Both organizations are committed to creating lasting change in the lives of students by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will serve them throughout their academic and professional journeys. The future of STEM is bright, and this partnership is a step in the right direction to ensure that it is accessible to all.
Atwell, LLC is a national consulting, engineering, and construction services firm with more than 1,700 professionals located across the country. Creating innovative solutions for clients in industries such as real estate and land development, power and renewable energy, oil and gas, and transportation and infrastructure, Atwell provides comprehensive turnkey services including land and right-of-way support, planning, landscape architecture, engineering, land surveying, environmental compliance and permitting, natural resources consulting and project and program management.
Science Olympiad is an Oakbrook Terrace-based, national non-profit organization founded in 1984 dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 STEM education, increasing interest and opportunity in science, creating a technologically literate workforce, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers.
