The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce YouthQuest program has received a $10,300 donation to support its STEM curriculum.
The donation from technology company Laird and its suppliers will be used toward the purchase of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum and STEM-based field trips throughout the community.
YouthQuest is a comprehensive, free afterschool program that serves more than 2,000 K-12 students in 18 area schools.
Laird donated $5,000 and then challenged its suppliers to match its donation, raising more than $10,000 total. The suppliers contributing to YouthQuest included U-Blox, Mid Star Sales, Raydiall, Catalyst Sales, Benskin & Hott, Trialon Corp., Albar Industries Inc., Future Electronics, Element, CHMP Inc., Dee Cramer, Aim Bright Cleaning, and Amphenol.
“This money will go toward vital curriculum that helps ensure the YouthQuest students are getting the best STEM instruction possible,” said Rhetta Hunyady, Vice President, Education and Training, Flint & Genesee Chamber. “We’ve built a highly effective and relevant program for the youth of Flint & Genesee, and I think this donation helps validate that.”
Steve Brown, Laird Senior Vice President and General Manager, said the donation to YouthQuest is part of the company’s social responsibility and commitment to this community.
“At Laird, we know that a sound education will help the next generation of engineers develop the skills needed to change the world through innovation,” Brown said. “We are proud to support the STEM curriculum for children and look forward to seeing what these students can dream up for the future.”
YouthQuest reinforces learning that takes place during the school day by offering high-quality activities and services that encourage the exploration of new interests in the areas of STEM and the arts, and promotes academic achievement, physical fitness, youth leadership and volunteerism.
Laird is a focused electronics and technology company employing about 9,000 people in operations in North America, Europe and across Asia. It has local facilities in Holly and is headquartered in London.
For more information about YouthQuest, contact Hunyady at or visit www.yquest.org.