Teachers and Social Worker Seek Funding Through Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Grant

Birmingham, Alabama – A group of three local educators alongside a social worker have expressed their interest in an innovation grant known as the Catalyze Birmingham Challenge.

What is the Catalyze Birmingham Challenge?

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a competition grant aimed to fund innovative and ground-breaking projects that provide students within the 11-22 age range unique educational opportunities leading to fulfilling careers. According to the Catalyze Challenge’s website, Birmingham has been chosen as the inaugural city to host a regional version of the challenge.

Who are the Applicants?

The Birmingham team interested in the grant includes experienced teachers Arlinda Davis, Yuvraj Verma and Cassandra Young, and social worker Jackie Backay-Parks. The team has come up with a unique proposal to utilize the grant – a program centred on astronomy.

What does their Proposal Consist of?

The proposed project, named Alabama STEM Astronomers, plans to benefit the participating students by allowing them to travel across different states and visit various museums, space centers, and planetariums. The project aims to provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences about space and science, making a two-week trip followed by monthly STEM exhibitions and regular mentorship.

Through this project, the Birmingham team hopes to address the critical necessity for varied career exploration opportunities, particularly targeted towards students hailing from underserved communities.

What Happens Next?

The Catalyze Birmingham grant application has been closed since August 16, and the recipients will be acknowledged in November. If successful, the Birmingham team’s program, Alabama STEM Astronomers, will provide a revolutionary approach to STEM education, bridging the gap in accessible career exploration within the local community.

While we await the announcement of the grant recipients, the Birmingham team continues in its dedicated mission of education and service, reaffirming its commitment to producing successful leaders from the Birmingham community.