Parrish Foundation Seeds STEAM Space Project With $25,000 Grant

TITUSVILLE – The Jess Parrish Medical Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum for its innovative new STEAM Space program, designed to give students, especially those deemed “at risk,” the opportunity to discover their own potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

“Making our community a better place is part of our mission, vision and values,” said Michael Sitowitz executive employee campaign leader and controller at Parrish Medical Center. “Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential whether that’s to become a physician, banker, teacher, musician or astronaut. By supporting STEAM Space, we’re investing in future generations that will one day lead our community.” Parrish Healthcare care partners raised more than $107,000 during the 2016 employee Circle of Giving campaign as a means to further the Parrish’s mission to provide Healing Experiences for Everyone all the Time®. Funds were distributed to various safety, health and wellness programs, including STEAM Space.

“We are deeply grateful to the care partners and foundation for their support, which will help us create a high tech learning environment that really engages students in both structured and unstructured learning adventures,” said museum Executive Director Tara Dixon Engel. “Components of STEAM Space include a Makerspace for grades K-12, expanded STEAM Saturday classes for grades 3-5, and our new STEAM Encounter workshops for grades 6-12. We will also host computer and rocketry camps and will tie in our SALT lessons to help students with Strategic thinking, Administration, Leadership and Teamwork.”

Dixon Engel said they will partner with Computers Advancing Education, Inc, on digital lessons and “Make & Take” programs, allowing students to build a computer, learn maintenance and proper use, and then take the computer home.

The museum is recruiting additional teachers and other support volunteers to assist with existing and new classes. The STEAM Space project was also chosen by the LEAD Brevard class of 2017 as a leadership action project, Dixon Engel explained. “So we are thrilled to have professionals from across Brevard County assisting with our vision,” the Director said, “and we are blessed to have agencies like Parrish who share our dream to empower and engage young people – and build a dynamic Space Coast work force for tomorrow.”

To find out about programming in Oct., Nov. and Dec., call 321-264-0434 or email info@spacewalkoffame.com or visit the museum’s web site at spacewalkoffame.com.

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