Friends of Saint Paul College has received a grant of $40,000 from the 3M Foundation to strengthen pathways to Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) careers through the Project Lead the Way program of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS). Project Lead the Way at SPPS provides a comprehensive approach to STEM education. SPPS students gain valuable world skills through the activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum. Project Lead the Way courses give students a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions and lead their own learning. The district has offered the program for the past seven years, in part due to generous initial investment from the 3M Foundation.
“We are grateful for support from the 3M Foundation and dedication of our 3Mers, the 3M employees and retirees who volunteer their time for the betterment of Saint Paul College students,” said Executive Director Laura Savin.
3M Foundation investment will ensure that at least 40 Project Lead the Way students make a successful transition from high school to postsecondary education at Saint Paul College. Grant funds will provide scholarships, paid work experiences, tutoring and career seminars, removing barriers to education for students who are underrepresented in STEM careers.
About Friends of Saint Paul College: The purpose of the Friends of Saint Paul College (Foundation) is to support and uphold the mission of Saint Paul College (College) and to secure charitable gifts and grants in support of Saint Paul College in accordance with funding priorities established by the College.
About 3M Gives: 3Mgives helps to build sustainable communities through strategic social investments and thoughtful engagement of 3Mers worldwide. 3M was one of the first companies to establish a foundation in 1953 and since that time the company has donated more than $1.4 billion in cash and in-kind gifts to non-profit organizations.