During the month of September, instructional staff at the high schools were invited to apply for a GEAR UP STEM Mini-Grant for the purpose of implementing creative, innovative, and engaging classroom activities that seek to educate and inspire cohort students about the benefits of pursuing STEM education and careers.

The following individuals have been awarded a 2022-23 STEM Mini-Grant:

Dougherty High School: Combined total of $70,279
Shyquandra Arline: Funding to be used to support field trips to the Kennedy Space Center, Mercedes-Benz STEAM Tour, Georgia Aquarium, Delta Flight Museum, and participation in a STEAM workshop with CEISMC @ Georgia Tech. This is a collaboration with Ms. Twila McKever.

Dr. Dereca Hubbard: Funding to be used to launch Trojan STEM Day, support drone instruction for the Women in STEM Club, the purchase of 3D printers, and the purchase of VR headsets to support the launch of a Virtual Reality Club.

Twila McKever: Funding to be used to purchase auxiliary equipment for the robotics club, participation at the FRC Competition, and a field trip to Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center

Westover High School: Combined total of $66,626

Chef Robert Schley: Funding to be used to support field trip to JLA Global (a local food testing & consulting firm), tour of Fort Valley State University's Food Sciences Department, and the purchase of auxiliary equipment to support the WHS Culinary Lab, which is a collaborative project with Dr. Chelsea Thompson (AP Science)

Angela Wiley: Funding to be used to support a campus tour of Georgetown University and Howard University, as well as a hands-on learning lab at the National Museum of Health & Medicine and an excursion to National Museum of African American History & Culture