The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, in partnership with the Stiles Nicholson Foundation, is accepting applications for the STEM Innovation Awards recognizing leadership, service and collaboration in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The application window is open until August 9, 2019.
“We are looking for individuals, corporations, educators, scientists and non-profit organizations who have been instinctive partners in advancing STEM education throughout our region,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “Our mission is to open every mind to science, and we want to recognize and honor those in the community who inspire a passion for STEM by encouraging lifelong learning.”
Scheduled for Saturday, September 7 from 6-9 p.m. at the Science Center in West Palm Beach, the awards event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, music, unique science demonstrations and an award presentation to celebrate the honorees.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Science Center to recognize champions of STEM education in our community,” said David Nicholson, BSc., LLD, CFA, chairman and founder of the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation. “There is a critical need to stimulate STEM disciplines in the United States as we are ranked 25th in science and 35th in math out of 72 countries in the developed world. Students are only 25% of our population, but they represent 100% of our future. These STEM Innovation awards will recognize and highlight the importance of STEM education leaders in South Florida.”
Award categories include:
• Corporate Visionary – a corporation whose unique approach to business integrates creative ideas, enhancements, outreach and concepts incorporating STEM into unique and innovative products and ideas that improve quality and or operations.
• Rising Star – an emerging leader who has demonstrated leadership in developing STEM teams, providing guidance and leading STEM events and programs. This award recognizes achievements that inspire others to follow and improve STEM education.
• STEM Champion – an individual that has made extraordinary contributions to the creation, facilitation or continuation of a STEM program directly impacting K-12 education.
• Educator/Collaborator – an educator who develops strategic partners that further STEM education and awareness to advance quality STEM education by creating and facilitating STEM programs.
• STEAM/Arts Partner– an organization that champions the inclusion of the arts in STEM education.
Anyone interested in nominating a STEM leader should apply online at www.SFScienceCenter.org/STEM-Awards. Tickets to the September 7 awards event are open to the public and are $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Attire will be business casual. Sponsors of the event include Florida Power & Light Company, Hedrick Brothers Construction, The Palm Beach Post, WLRN and NOSH Catering & Events.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and in addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world. Rainforest Adventure runs through September 4th.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.
For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.