In November 2023, the Foundation awarded its first grant in the amount of $3100 to Southport Elementary School.

Elementary School Educators used the grant to develop a student program to study water pollution effects on Brunswick County’s eco-system, as well as finance modeling of human lung systems, designing and engineering real-working cars, and purchasing online mathematics activities. The grant will also afford teachers the ability to purchase math manipulatives and a kit to study the human body, including hands-on models of cardiac, skeletal, and digestive systems. Other activities include building a solar oven to bake smores using solar power.

In 2024, the Virginia Williamson Elementary School was awarded $3,054 for its program for fifth graders, Empowering Future Scientists: Hands-On STEM Exploration. The grant funded supplies to create a water cycle model in a bag. Teacher Tiffani Frink Fulford says, “I am incredibly grateful that we have received this grant. Hundreds of students will benefit through meaningful, hands-on learning that would have otherwise been out of reach. This opportunity is making a lasting impact on our young learners.”

West Brunswick High School and Brunswick County Early College High School were also awarded $4,000 in 2024 for the schools’ FIRST Robotics Team 6512. Students will build and program a robot, manage marketing and outreach, and compete at two district tournaments in March. West Brunswick High teacher Keri McKenzie says, “I am inspired by the creativity, perseverance and teamwork our students bring to every challenge, and this generous grant allows us to expand their opportunities, fuel their passion for innovation, and build skills that will empower them for a lifetime. It’s a true investment in the future of our students.”