Create STEM Field Trips for Students from Alabama’s Black Belt

Tiger Giving Day is over, but you can still give to the Black Belt Initiative here.

This project will provide travel funds for students from Alabama’s Black Belt Region to participate in field trips to the NASA U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, the Southern Company’s Aerial Services facility in Birmingham, Alabama Power facilities throughout the state, Auburn University and the Auburn University Regional Airport. 

Your gift will provide the opportunity for 120 deserving students to participate in these memorable and impactful field trips this summer. 

These field trips enable students participating in STEM Summer Academies to make real-life connections to concepts they have learned about in science, algebra and geometry classes, while also exposing them to STEM career paths.

The Greater Alabama Black Belt Region STEM Initiative aims to increase college readiness among students from the region by expanding their content knowledge in core subject areas including math, science, and English, allowing them to progress toward college and university admission and successful studies in STEM fields. 

STEM Summer Academies are held each summer for students in grades 6-11 from counties throughout Alabama’s Black Belt region. During the academies, students participate in courses taught by Auburn University graduate students, which are complemented by hands-on activities and field trips.

These academies, which have been held every summer since 2018, have increased student test scores by as much as 30 points—three full letter grades—over the course of the program. Students have also demonstrated increased levels of self-confidence to succeed in school, interest in STEM careers, and commitment to go to college. 

Thank you for your support and War Eagle!