Through the Foundation’s work around Youth & Education, we look to bring together partners from private, public, academic, and social sectors to use innovation and technology to build community resilience and ensure doors of learning and opportunity are open to all students.
The Foundation’s work in this area has included:
Establishing more inclusive pathways for students to pursue STEM careers
The Foundation is committed to ensuring that pathways to pursue STEM careers are open and accessible to all students. Educators play a critical role in these efforts. They are on the frontlines every day – as teachers, counselors, role models, and mentors for their students.
Building upon this commitment, the Foundation convened key stakeholders in the Washington, DC metro region to design and deliver the Foundation’s first Educators STEM Open House on February 29, 2020. Through dynamic plenary and breakout sessions, and a resource fair, participants deepened their knowledge of STEM-related careers and resources they can use to connect classroom STEM learning to real-world applications. A design-thinking session offered educators the opportunity to explore roadblocks impeding pathways to STEM careers.
More than 100 colleagues from academic institutions, nonprofits, and for-profits participated in the day of learning, networking, and inspiration. Educators came from private and public schools, representing seven school districts and three universities. Representatives from the public and private sectors shared their experiences around what it means to be a STEM professional, the skill sets that are needed to be successful, and some of the resources that are available to educate and engage students in STEM learning in and outside the classroom.
Testimonials from February 2020 Event
Northern Virginia Teacher
… It is rare that K12 teachers have the opportunity to hear from and exchange ideas with leaders in education and industry. Thanks to you and the foundation for creating this opportunity for us. The discussions and data shared in the sessions were insightful and validating for what I am trying to accomplish in the programs I am developing. I also appreciated hearing from the local organizations that represent the technology industry in Northern Virginia and their goals and strategies for the future…
Event Sponsor
… Just wanted to extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to the BA Foundation and BAH family for a great job today. Nice to see educators and others alike talking amongst themselves, sharing ideas, asking questions, etc. It is exactly the type of interaction and collaboration an event like this is supposed to engender…
Nonprofit participant
… I was so encouraged to hear the hope that Booz Allen Foundation hopes to do more events like this in the future. There was great content, so once the word gets ahead, I think you’ll have to turn people away…
Bringing Life And Hope Into Classrooms
Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, the Booz Allen Foundation collaborated with DonorsChoose.org to assist 16 classrooms in communities deeply impacted by the disasters. From science and math kits to coding robots and Next Generation Science Standards books, from microscopes to weather tools, the Foundation’s support helped bring classrooms back to life. In total more than 1,620 students benefitted during the 2019 academic year in these classrooms. Notes from the classroom teachers powerfully convey the impact of the Foundation’s support:
… Many, many thank you’s to the Booz Allen Foundation for your support of youth and education in local communities. I am in AWE that you would choose to support our school and my students with such a substantial gift. May your Foundation continue to empower people to change our world. You have definitely inspired me!!
…The students whose lives you have impacted can never thank you enough … it is people like you who make dreams come true and open up futures for those who may not otherwise get the chance to be successful …
Providing Educational Scholarships
The Foundation helped ensure a brighter future for children of fallen and disabled service members though educational scholarships, through a collaborative effort with the national nonprofit, Folds of Honor.