Engineering For Kids Foundation Raises $10,000 at First Annual Gala

Award Presentation Recognizes Top Community Influencers in S.T.E.M.
Education

FREDERICKSBURG, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The
Engineering For Kids Foundation, designed to provide S.T.E.M.
education and inspire students ages 4-14 by offering hands-on,
discipline specific engineering activities, held its first annual gala
to raise money for its mentorship program. The three-hour event raised
over $10,000, featured guest speaker, former professional football
player and NASA astronaut, Leland Melvin, as well as a silent auction,
and awards presentation.

Engineering
For Kids (EFK), a leading national after-school S.T.E.M. education
company, developed the Engineering for Kids foundation in 2014. As part
of the foundation, the mentorship program matches talented and inspired
high school engineering students and faculty with elementary students
who do not have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating field of
engineering in their schools.

“Our goal is to inspire and excite our youth of tomorrow to assist them
on their path to becoming engineers, and it is events like these that
help us achieve this mission,” said Dori Roberts, president and CEO of
Engineering For Kids. “This year we recognized our top supporters with a
formal awards presentation for those making a difference in their
communities.”

S.T.E.M. Teacher of the Year

Lake Ridge, Va. Antietam Elementary School teacher Kathy Lamont was
recognized for her important role in influencing children’s minds
through increased interest in S.T.E.M. education. She has been a
dedicated contributor to Camp Invention at Antietam, a summer program
that uses the hands-on application of S.T.E.M. to instill creative
problem solving and teamwork techniques in children. Ms. Lamont was
awarded $500 to be used towards S.T.E.M. supplies in her classroom.

S.T.E.M. School of the Year

Elementary School in Prince William County, Va. was recognized for its
outstanding efforts in providing S.T.E.M. education programs. Principal
Suzanne Bevans accepted the award on behalf of the school, which was
designated a Focus School for Children’s Engineering, integrating
S.T.E.M. in 2013. The Foundation awarded Henderson Elementary with two,
six-week long Engineering For Kids Foundation Mentorship Programs,
valued at $4,000.

Mentor of the Year

Riverbend, Va. High School Senior Rebecca Argueta was recognized as a
top mentor. Foundation mentors must be high school juniors and seniors
that are highly motivated and respected in their community for their
leadership qualities. Rebecca plans to graduate at the end of this year
with high honors and pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

Community Supporter Award

Congressman Rob Wittman was given the Community Supporter Award for his
support of improving the education system and providing adequate
resources to schools and teachers. His continued support of EFK and
commitment to ensuring access to quality education has helped provide
EFK children with every opportunity to succeed.

Funder of the Year

Kids Connect Network was recognized for its support and mentorship,
which was instrumental in getting the Engineering For Kids Mentorship
Program up and running. Kids Connect Network empowers at-risk youth
through supporting a cohesive network of mentoring programs and
organizations, one of which is the Engineering For Kids Mentorship
Program.

Engineering for Kids Foundation Scholarship Winner

North Stafford High School student Aaron Taylor was awarded the
Engineering For Kids Foundation Scholarship, a $500 scholarship that
goes to a high school student who has gone through an EFK program and
wants to go further with engineering. Aaron plans to study Computer
Science and pursue a career as a software developer or a private
technology company.

The Engineering for Kids Foundation was joined by representatives from
sponsors FranchiseWell, Kids Connect Network, Charles B. Roberts and
Associates, Sunshine Ballpark, LeaseWeb, Monroe Bay Builders, Stafford
County Economic Development, and Wells Fargo for the event.

About Engineering For Kids

Engineering for Kids is a Virginia-based franchise offering over 300
lessons in 19 different curricular enrichment classes ranging from
Aerospace, Chemical, Civil and Industrial Engineering. The lessons are
aimed to help children develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math) skills in a fun and challenging way through hands-on learning.
Students can participate in after school programs, evening classes,
in-school field trips, birthday parties, home-school programs and more.
Founded in 2009 by Dori Roberts, the brand has grown to operate more
than 140 franchises in 19 countries, with plans to open 25 new
franchises each year. For more information, visit www.engineeringforkids.com.

If you are interested in supporting the foundation or finding out more
information, visit their website at www.efkfoundation.org.

Contacts

Fishman PR
Kelly McNamara, 847-945-1300
KMcNamara@fishmanpr.com
or
Engineering
For Kids
Mike Cavanaugh, 540-940-2910
Mike@engineeringforkids.net