Through EmpowerED Grant from the Horace Mann Educators Foundation

Last fall, Gregg Middle School was awarded a $2,500 EmpowerED grant made possible through the partnership of Horace Mann Educators Foundation and the Dorchester Two Educational Foundation. The $2,500 grant provided a 3D printer, filament, and equipment cart to expand hands-on STEM opportunities for students in grades 6 8. Dorchester Two Education Foundation, nominated by Horace Mann agent Stephanie Rankin of Rankin Insurance for Educators, LLC, was one of 20 nonprofit education-focused organizations nationwide selected for grant funding to help students reach their full potential.

On April 29, that investment was on full display as Gregg Middle School hosted a STEM Day in the school’s media center, giving students the opportunity to explore innovation, design, and problem-solving through a variety of engaging activities.

Students used computer design software to create original items and then sent their designs to the printer for production. In addition to 3D printing, students rotated through several interactive STEM stations where they built VEX Robotics vehicles, constructed bridges, tested straw rockets, experimented with cotton ball catapults, and explored other engineering challenges.

The event highlighted the lasting impact of community partnerships and grant funding that place innovative tools directly into the hands of students and educators. Through experiences like STEM Day, Gregg Middle students are developing creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that will prepare them for future success.