Children attending Apple Ridge Farm’s 2018 A+ STEM Summer Camp program have an innovative opportunity to learn about subjects that can help them acquire skills needed for tomorrow’s workplace, thanks to a grant from the Verizon Foundation.
John Lewis, Apple Ridge Farm’s executive director, is excited to announce that Apple Ridge Farm has recently received a $5,000 grant award from the Verizon Foundation in support of the A+STEM Summer Camp program. This generous donation will help fund STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Art/Math) activities during Apple Ridge Farm’s 2018 Academic Summer Camp, including development opportunities focused on project-based learning, computer programming, and Ebase USA: Blue Ridge, a unique off-grid energy technology classroom. Apple Ridge Farm’s Ebase, housed in a fully transformed 100-year-old box car sustained by solar and wind energy, is the only such facility in North America, and is used to teach young people about renewable energy technology.
“We are thrilled with this Verizon Foundation grant, which could not have come at a better time,” stated Lewis, “With the support of the Verizon Foundation, Apple Ridge Farm will be able to better engage our youth from low-income communities to gear their interests toward the sciences and math. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to recognize Verizon’s commitment to our youth in the Roanoke Valley as well as their support of the Apple Ridge Farm goal of “Helping Kids Grow!”
Verizon Manager Jeff Merriman stated, “Apple Ridge Farm’s A+ STEM Summer Camp program is a good fit with the Verizon Foundation’s mission to work with innovative partners to increase student interest and achievement in STEM subjects, particularly for underserved, at-risk youth.”
About Apple Ridge Farm:
Apple Ridge Farm’s mission is to transform the lives of underserved children and families through engagement in unparalleled educational, cultural and outdoor experiences . This mission is accomplished by providing academic enrichment programs and outdoor activities for low-income, inner-city youth in the Roanoke, Virginia area. Apple Ridge Farm uses a unique blend of academics and outdoor adventure to achieve its goals of encouraging academic success, strengthening self-confidence, building leadership skills, and nurturing environmental st ewardship . Since its founding in 1978, Apple Ridge Farm has provided over 80,000 at-risk youth with a path for success and opportunities for explorat ion .
About Verizon:
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of 163,400 and generated nearly $126 billion in 2016 revenues . Verizon operates America ‘s most reliable wireless network and the nation’s premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. Its Oath subsidiary houses more than 50 media and technology brands that engage about 1 billion people around the world.
