UScellular Provides STEM Support for 500 Teachers, 50,000 Students

After a year that imposed never-before-seen challenges on students and teachers, UScellular funded Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) resources for more than 500 teachers and their students.

Through a $100,000 donation to DonorsChoose, an education non-profit organization that connects public school teachers with interested donors, UScellular reached 50,000 students in 333 schools by matching donations on more than 600 classroom projects. To take an active role in addressing equity and gaps in STEM education, UScellular’s funds went to schools where a majority of the students were from low-income households.

“We all have a role to play in creating a brighter future for tomorrow’s leaders,” said Deirdre Drake, executive vice president and chief people officer at UScellular. “UScellular is proud to work with critical organizations like DonorsChoose to support the teachers who transform students’ curiosity into real-life application through STEM learning.”

In May, UScellular surveyed parents1 regarding their child(ren)’s learning during the pandemic. The results showed:

Half of parents thought remote learning negatively impacted their child’s learning

1 in 4 parents felt their child needed tutoring over the summer
Nearly 50% of parents were interested in extra assistance for their child

To address the need for extra summer assistance, 10% of UScellular’s donation went towards summer school STEM projects.

Students from kindergarten through high school received resources ranging from sensory tables and windmill kits to solar-car-design projects.

McBride, a grade school teacher in Oklahoma City, who received $270 for her classroom project said, “As a teacher, I try to make the learning environment as engaging, inviting, and comfortable as possible…My students will be so excited to use the pop it hands-on math games and paints…your gift is a forever gift!”

Oklahoma is one of the 14 states where teachers received funding from UScellular’s donation. UScellular has a longstanding commitment to supporting its local communities through donations and volunteerism. Since 2009, the company has donated more than $20.8 million along with countless experiences and technology items to nonprofit organizations across the country.