AT&T Supports New School of Science and Engineering
By Lauren Smith, University Marketing Communications

Thanks to a grant from AT&T, the University of West Florida is developing a “Science Discovery Program” for school-age visitors within the new School of Science and Engineering. The school is housed in a state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot building, which was made possible through state support, as well as private support from individuals, foundations and corporations, including AT&T.

“The ‘Science Discovery Program’ will be designed to transform the method of science, engineering, technology and math instruction through inspiring, interactive activities for school-aged visitors,” said Gretchen VanValkenburg, associate director of development for UWF.

Through the program, UWF will host one field trip per week for a middle school, high school and/or community college from Northwest Florida, with a special emphasis on middle and high school classes, clubs, science teachers, robotics clubs and CHOICE Institutes and STEM–related career academies.

VanValkenburg believes the program will interest and motivate K-12 students throughout the region to consider pursuing a STEM-related profession.

Sample field trip agendas will range from visiting the “Holodeck”, a 985 square foot auditorium space where students can participate in an immersive 3-D, “edutainment” interactive experience, to building a simple robot or flying an unmanned air craft in the 4,000 square foot Discovery Innovation Center.

“AT&T is dedicated to supporting programs that help students successfully complete high school and prepare them for college or the workforce, especially non-traditional and underserved students,” said Ray Dubuque, area director for AT&T Florida. “On behalf of AT&T, we are thrilled to assist with UWF’s educational outreach efforts.”

AT&T will be recognized at the grand opening events scheduled Feb. 3, 4 and 5.

For more information about the UWF School of Science and Engineering or the grand opening events, visit uwf.edu/sse or contact VanValkenburg at (850) 474-2875 or e-mail gvalkenb@uwf.edu. For more information about AT&T, visit att.com.