Students working with a robot
Students living in Mineral County will have more opportunities to hone their skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as reading thanks to the support of The Community Trust Foundation. The Foundation awarded the West Virginia University Mineral County Extension Service two $10,000 grants to help fund programs aimed at improving opportunities for youths in the community.
The Community Trust Foundation’s Naylor Fund will help support Mineral County’s Energy Express program as well as the Mineral County 4-H Robotics Education and Youth Leadership Program for five years.
“These programs are vital to preparing local youths for future careers, as well as empowering and shaping them into leaders within their communities,” said WVU Mineral County Extension Agent Margaret Miltenberger. “Education truly opens doors to opportunity, and we are grateful for the support of donors like the Community Trust Foundation—with their help, we can continue to change the lives of the youths for years to come.”
"The Community Trust Foundation is happy to support the Mineral County Robotic and Energy Express Programs,” said Sandi Rowland, foundation director, The Community Trust Foundation. “Our donors are committed to supporting opportunities for area youth and working with area organizations to build a stronger, more vibrant region."
The WVU Extension Energy Express program is an award-winning eight-week, summer reading and nutrition program for children living in West Virginia’s rural and low-income communities. The Mineral County 4-H Robotics Education and Youth Leadership Program specializes in overall youth development and education in areas of science, technology, engineering and math. All programs are implemented in partnership with strong community partners.
“Both of these programs have touched so many lives here in Mineral County,” said Miltenberger. “From providing outstanding reading, writing and art learning experiences for youths in the summer to inspiring Mineral County 4-H’ers the about STEM learning, Extension is an important resource for these children and we are thankful for the opportunity to continue this important work with the help of these grants.”
The WVU Extension Service is a primary outreach division of West Virginia University. With offices in each of the state’s 55 counties, Extension faculty and staff develop and deliver programs in leadership, rural and community-based economic development, youth development, workforce development and health education. Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook to keep up with news and events in your area.
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tec/10.6.17
CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU
Extension Service
304.293.7996, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu