Suddenlink Communications, provided by Altice USA, has made a $10,000 donation that will support VEX Robotics initiatives facilitated by the Arkansas Tech University STEM Education Collaborative.
The gift will help eight Arkansas elementary and middle schools begin a VEX program during the 2019-20 academic year. Suddenlink is a statewide sponsor for VEX Robotics competitions in Arkansas, including the annual state championship conducted each March at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
“Altice USA is proud to invest in and encourage the growth of our next generation of STEM leaders,” said Jenny Massey, regional vice president of market engagement for Altice USA. “As a technology-focused company, we fully recognize how important it is to inspire children to join STEM fields, and promote the development of future innovators.”
According to its website, the ATU STEM Education Collaborative partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), VEX Robotics and the REC Foundation to provide schools, organizations and other groups access to high quality and affordable robotics and STEM educational opportunities.
“VEX Robotics is the fastest growing robotics program in Arkansas and across the world,” said Sarah Burnett, director of the ATU STEM Education Collaborative. “With the support of Suddenlink, we are able to provide Arkansas students a meaningful STEM experience that could possibly change the outcome of their life. The ATU STEM Education Collaborative is most passionate about making sure all students, no matter their geographic location, have access to experiences allowing students to embrace failure, persevere and emerge as lifelong learners confident in their ability to make the world a better place.”
Learn more about the ATU STEM Education Collaborative at www.atu.edu/stem.
Photographed (left-to-right): Sarah Burnett, Arkansas Tech University STEM Education Collaborative director; and Julie McEachern and Candace Kirkendoll, Altice USA community engagement specialists.
