The JBMSHP was awarded a $40,000 grant from the APS Foundation in June. The APS Foundation supports programs that enhance academic achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Since 1981, the Foundation has invested more than $44 million in projects throughout Arizona that help prepare students to compete in a 21st century economy. A workforce proficient in STEM skills is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality businesses and industries to the state. The APS Foundation targets projects that help educators increase content knowledge in STEM subjects as well as the ability to transfer this knowledge effectively to students.

In June, the JBMSHP students learned about the Mars Rover Perseverance from the ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). ASU helped NASA to build the Perseverance, which landed on Mars in 2021. Thanks to this APS Foundation grant, each of the students received a LEGO set of the Perseverance rover. Students can use this STEM activity to teach others what they learned this summer and how ASU contributes to STEM research. Thank you to APS and the APS Foundation for their generosity