Submitted by the San Juan Public Schools Foundation.

Engaging students in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math – is the most important factor in creating tomorrow’s workforce and keeping our kids buoyant this post-pandemic school year. The San Juan Public Schools Foundation is instrumental in expanding classroom enrichment for STEAM programs that would not happen otherwise – and we depend on our community to help.

Through hands-on activities, mentoring, presentations, and behind-the-scenes field trips, students discover the world of design, engineering, peer development, and leadership. For example, in March 2022 Friday Harbor High School students won second place in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Competition at the Washington Technology Student Association annual state conference! Pretty amazing considering 10,500 students participate and 1,500 students qualify for this competition each year. Their winning design was an original 3D CAD model of an ice cream scoop. They used 3D printers in the STEM building to make their physical prototypes and created a business model that they presented to a team of industry professionals in a judging interview. SJPSF funded the trip to this conference and in partnership with their teacher Sam Garson, FHHS students were able to experience this learning competition in person.

“Being able to participate in TSA during my junior and senior years was very shaping towards my STEM aspirations. The SJPSF has provided the STEM lab with fantastic resources for students like me to utilize, and without those and the support of our teacher Mr. Garson, I wouldn’t have participated in TSA. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity, to overcome challenges, and be recognized and supported in my endeavors and triumphs,” said Robin Taylor, recent FHHS graduate and TSA award recipient.

We are asking for our community’s support in providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students. SJPSF is raising money as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign. Through this program, the first $1,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation. SJPSF is also eligible for up to $2,500 in bonus grants awarded throughout the fair. To be eligible for matching funds, donations to the SJPSF must be made during the four days of the 2022 County Fair – Aug. 17–20. Donors can contribute in person at the San Juan Island Community Foundation fair booth, online at www.sjicf.org/fair, by phone to SJICF at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check payable to SJICF (dated between Aug. 17–20) with San Juan Public Schools Foundation in the memo line to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The Community Foundation will grant the raised funds to SJPSF following the County Fair.

The San Juan Public Schools Foundation raises funds to support programs and services beyond what tax revenues can pay for and acts as a catalyst to involve the community in public education.