The following programs received funding.

Messiah Lutheran School received $500 for students in fourth and fifth grades to use Legos to learn science, math and technology.

DuBray Middle School (Fort Zumwalt School District) received $440.53 for a four-day STEM Rocket Camp where students will learn problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, motivation and the ability to work collaboratively in groups. The sessions will be taught by science, mathematics and technology teachers and volunteers from Boeing will assist students with their projects.

St. Charles West High School received $500 to provide booklets to eighth grade students to put together their personal plan of study and align it with their career pathway of interest.

Orchard Farm Middle School received $270 for students to learn how to create a commercial, and about careers in marketing/entrepreneurship. 

Orchard Farm Middle School received $448 for the career/life skills readiness program, Eagle Explorers which gives students with limited functional fine motor skills the ability to independently access career exploration websites and participate in activities that encourage appropriate social and life skills for future success.

Orchard Farm High School received $375 for surveying equipment to create a plot drawing from data collected, learning about careers in civil and architectural engineering, construction and landscaping.

Discovery Elementary School (Orchard Farm School District) received $500 toward its career fair, where parents, community members and business professionals will share career information with elementary students.

Francis Howell High School received $408 for Science Career Day, open to sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in a science course.

Boone Trail Elementary (Wentzville School District) received $250 for its career day, where they will visit with professionals and learn work habits. 

The purpose of the ABLE Mini-Grants for Schools Program is to provide funds and support to teachers in participating school districts for school enrichment programs that focus on career development, career exploration and career readiness skills.

St. Charles County ABLE was created in collaboration with local business leaders and participating school district personnel to foster workforce readiness and educational programs for kindergarten through 12th grade students in the community. A business and education partnership, ABLE empowers young people by preparing them for the future. For more information on ABLE, visit http://www.stccable.org.

For more information on the ABLE Mini-Grants for Schools Program or how to become involved in the ABLE organization, contact Tammie De Los Santos, SCC manager of workforce development projects, at 636-922-8342 or TDeLosSantos@stchas.edu.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.