Feb. 7, 2013 – The Catawba River District and the foundation for a regional utility are launching
an Eco-Footprint Sustainability Challenge. The friendly competition will encourage students at several schools in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties to get creative with ideas to improve the
sustainability of their schools.
The Piedmont Natural Gas Eco-Footprint Challenge, developed
by the Catawba River District, will enable students to apply science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles to devise a way to protect
or reduce consumption of a natural resource.
Eleven River District elementary and middle schools located
in Mount Holly, Belmont, and Charlotte near the Catawba River are being invited to participate in the
three-month learning completion, set to begin in March.
Judges will evaluate each project on several criteria, including creativity, presentation and the project’s success at meeting its goal.
The Eco-Footprint Challenge will engage many students from
families that are economically challenged and have limited opportunities to
engage in STEM learning beyond their schools. Educators say that students with
strong STEM skills by middle school are much more likely to pursue advanced
education in science, technology, engineering and math. Many of the best-paying
jobs in the global economy require those skills, as well.
PNG Foundation grant makes challenge possible
The Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation issued a grant making
the challenge possible as part of the foundation’s community enrichment
initiative and its emphasis on STEM education. STEM learning also is a critical component of the
Catawba River District’s work in advancing sustainable solutions for the
16,000-acre that makes up the River District, including northwest Charlotte,
Mount Holly, and Belmont. STEM
experts within Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Gaston school districts have been
advising the River District’s leaders on STEM learning projects for the past
two years.
The River District’s strategic partners – Piedmont National
Gas, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville and Huber Technology – are helping
stage the Eco-Footprint Challenge with expertise and volunteers as well as
resources.
The Piedmont Natural Gas Eco-Footprint Challenge is a
recognized component of the NC STEM Science Festival produced by UNC’s Morehead
Planetarium and Science Center.
This is the second year the Catawba River District’s school partnership
has participated in the NC STEM Science Festival.
- For additional information or to provide additional financial support please contact River District Executive Director Edna Chirico at echirico@catawbariverdistrict.org or 704-562-8847.
About Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation
The Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation supports nonprofit
organizations throughout its service area and has invested more than $6 million
since the foundation’s start in 2004.
The foundation provides support in a few key areas,
including environmental stewardship, energy sustainability, workforce
development and K-12 learning focused on science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) education.
Within the STEM education focus, the foundation seeks to
develop high-quality leadership in schools and classrooms, plus programs that
help students develop science, technology, engineering and math skills
“critical to success in a global economy.”
Learn more at http://piedmontng.com/ourcommunity/ourfoundation.aspx
About the Catawba River District
The Catawba River District is a regional, non-profit
organization dedicated to sustainable development and enhancement of a
16,000-acre area including parts of Mount Holly, Belmont, northwest Charlotte,
and the region’s watershed. The
River District has been described as a national model for public-private
cooperation. Supporters range from
universities, schools and businesses to environmental advocates and
municipalities. Partners share a
commitment to elevating the River District through sustainable education,
community development, and health and wellness programs. For more information,
visit www.catawbariverdistrict.org.
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