Independent School Receives $50,000 Grant To Fund New Program

An independent school in the Far West End has received a sizable grant to advance plans for a new research program. The Steward School announced Thursday that it has been awarded a $50,000 matching challenge grant from The Edward E. Ford Foundation to fund a “Visiting Scientists Program” for the forthcoming Bryan Center for Science and […]

November 12, 2010; 9:39 AM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

An independent school in the Far West End has received a sizable grant to advance plans for a new research program. The Steward School announced Thursday that it has been awarded a $50,000 matching challenge grant from The Edward E. Ford Foundation to fund a “Visiting Scientists Program” for the forthcoming Bryan Center for Science and Sustainability.

“The Bryan Center, a LEED-level designed facility surrounded by a three acre edible garden-schoolyard, will be a technological textbook-laboratory,” states Headmaster Ken Seward. “This is where students will analyze a constant flow of data fed from state-of-the-art smart-grid, real-time metering, enabling them to explore innovations in economic, environmental, and applied engineering decision making.”

The Visiting Scientists Program will attract specialists with expertise in a wide range of disciplines including alternative energy, physics, hydrology, engineering, astronomy, sustainable architectural design and green construction methods and materials, organic gardening, natural resource management, geology and environmental studies.

Visiting scientists will conduct original research and instruct faculty, staff, and students, who together will serve as a resource to the greater Richmond community.

“We’re thrilled to be able to add valuable programming like the Visiting Scientists series to enhance the learning experience and give our students real-world examples of how to turn ideas into action,” Seward continued.

The Steward School was one of the few schools in the nation to be awarded a grant by the Ford Foundation in this cycle. The major objective of The Edward E. Ford Foundation is to encourage and improve secondary education as provided by independent schools in the United States.

November 12, 2010 9:39 AM 0