ATLANTA, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The SunTrust
Foundation today announced it has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Girls Leadership Academy of
Wilmington (GLOW) for a state-of-the-art makerspace in what is
North Carolina's only
single-gender public charter school. With tools, equipment and
trained faculty, GLOW Academy's SunTrust Foundation Makerspace
combines a 21st-century science lab, woodshop, computer
lab and art room in a vibrant creative area where students in
grades six through 12 are given the tools and guidance to
investigate, experiment, create and invent. The SunTrust Foundation
Makerspace is on GLOW Academy's new 31-acre campus that is
dedicated to closing the achievement and opportunity gaps for
low-income families. The school opened in August 2016 with its inaugural class of 100 sixth
graders and will reach full enrollment of 725 students in the
2022/23 academic year.
"We are dedicated to helping GLOW students break through gender
barriers," said Todd Godbey, CEO of
GLOW Academy. "The SunTrust Foundation Makerspace will ensure that
our graduates have the skills to better compete and succeed in the
modern business world or create businesses of their own." The
SunTrust Foundation grant will fund workspace modules; safety
equipment; mechanical and power tools; materials and equipment for
woodworking, metalworking and textile projects; a 3D printer, laser
cutter and robotic workstations; faculty training; staffing and
science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM)
curriculum.
"We are delighted to establish this learning environment for
Wilmington's GLOW Academy," said
Stan Little, president of the
SunTrust Foundation. "We believe the SunTrust Foundation Makerspace
will have a direct and valuable impact on young women as they
explore their creativity in STEAM fields."
Studies show that inquiry-based instruction increases
long-term retention of content and helps students perform as well
as or better than traditional learners in high-stakes tests.
Educators also see advancements in problem-solving and
collaboration skills and improvements in students' attitudes toward
learning.
"GLOW Academy is an outstanding institution," said Sandra Spiers, Wilmington city president for SunTrust Bank.
"We're committed to improving the well-being of others in our
communities, and this partnership will help position GLOW students
for a more financially confident future as they gain a holistic
education to prepare them for demanding careers."
About GLOW Academy
The Girls Leadership Academy of
Wilmington is North Carolina's
only single gender public charter school. With a focus on closing
the achievement and opportunity gaps among low income families, the
6th thru 12th grade school is part of a nationwide network
of 19 groundbreaking and successful single-gender
schools. This Young Women's Leadership Network is guided by a
proven educational model focused on academic rigor, personal
responsibility, leadership and college preparedness.
At GLOW Academy, she will: graduate, go to college and
succeed in life. For more information about GLOW Academy and the
grand opening celebration for its new campus, visit
www.glowacademy.net.
About SunTrust Foundation
The SunTrust Foundation is
committed to SunTrust Bank's (NYSE: STI) purpose of Lighting the
Way to Financial Well-Being by engaging with local and national
organizations to advance financial confidence. Grants and
activities focus primarily on financial education, financial
counseling, career readiness and small business/entrepreneurship,
in addition to local community grants. The SunTrust Foundation
supports American Red Cross disaster relief efforts and contributes
as a United Way Global Corporate Leader. Established in 2008, the
SunTrust Foundation has proudly provided grants totaling more than
$180 million throughout the United States.
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SOURCE SunTrust Foundation