MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – A national organization is set to host a fundraiser in New Rochelle to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education at the Mount Vernon High School.
The Northeast STEM Starter Academy will host its “Cocktails for Science” on Wednesday, July 15 at Alvin and Friends in New Rochelle, where there will host “an evening of science, education and community” to raise funds for education improvements and programs for the Mount Vernon School District.
Funds raised at the cocktail reception will be contributing to the development of a technology center in the city, which will feature technology, science and Mount Vernon history wings.
“The event is intended to provide interested Westchester community members the opportunity to learn of an effort to drive significant change for the underserved and at-risk children attending public schools in Mount Vernon,” Karen Spender, who is co-sponsoring the event, said.“ Mount Vernon’s school district, in particular their science and technology programs, are going to grow by leaps and bounds due to this initiative.”
According to Spencer, the goal is to ultimately secure $30 million in funding to support the building of the center, which will “have the capacity to address the 9,000 students attending public schools in Mount Vernon, and children throughout the northeast.” Those interested in attending the hotly anticipated event can contact Gerald Dennis at gdennis@mvtsc.org or (914) 888-7556. Tickets are $75 per person.
“Career opportunities in America and the global economy will be centered in the various STEM fields. Given the overwhelming disparity of minority and women representation within the STEM occupations, intervention is essential to assure that traditionally discounted and underserved young people are provided opportunity that will expose them to the host of exciting, middle-income enabling careers that exist,” Spencer added.
“(Mount Vernon students) will have the reason and ability to be a meaningful part of those opportunities. The impact of enabling access will directly and positively impact financial stability within these communities.”
