The Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the Fundación Azmat A. Assur, has launched an initiative to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education across the Island.
The partnership aims to empower students and improve teacher training while providing key resources, such as scholarships and the opening of a 3D studio, to advance Puerto Rico's educational and technological development.
The initiative is led by the Fideicomiso's Programa de Educación STEM y Desarrollo de Fuerza Laboral (STEM Education & Workforce Development Program).
"The collaboration with the Fundación Azmat A. Assur aligns perfectly with our mission to support innovation, education and workforce development in Puerto Rico. We are empowering students and educators in a scalable way through a long-term strategic investment that promises tangible results," said Ing. Luz A. Crespo, chief executive officer of the Fideicomiso.
Scholarships for students and teachers
The Premio Azmat A. Assur para Futuros Académicos en Ciencia (Azmat A. Assur Future Science Scholars), a central element of this initiative, will award annual $5,000 scholarships to four outstanding public school students in STEM. In total, $100,000 will be allocated over the five years of the program.
In addition to the student scholarships, $75,000 will be set aside for professional development of teachers in the public system, allowing 25 teachers per year to obtain the STEM+AI certification offered by the Fideicomiso. The training will improve educators' ability to integrate advanced STEM concepts into their teaching methods.
"Training teachers and students is a unique opportunity to raise the level of education in our country so that STEM careers and subjects receive the interest and importance they need in the technological world we live in. We are proud to facilitate these opportunities," said Jorge Valentine, director of the Programa STEM & Workforce.
Hexagon, a new 3D printing studio in Ponce, opens its doors
As part of its Programa STEM Workforce, the Fideicomiso also inaugurated Hexagon, a 3D printing studio located in the Prudencio Rivera Martínez building in Ponce. The space, equipped with advanced technology, is available to teachers and students as well as the general public, expanding educational and technological capabilities in the southern region of the Island.
The Hexagon project was made possible by a $15,000 donation from the Fundación Ángel Ramos, which was matched by the Fideicomiso. In addition, the Azmat A. Assur Charitable Foundation committed $125,000 over five years to support the initiative, in collaboration with additive manufacturing experts Emergent Tools.
"By supporting the next generation of STEM leaders and empowering educators, we are investing in Puerto Rico's future. We believe that through this collaboration we will cultivate bright minds, raise educational standards and contribute to a vibrant and innovative technology landscape on the Island," said Ann Marie Assur, president of the Azmat A. Assur Charitable Foundation.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
