ITEC awarded Dart Container Corporation 50th Anniversary Grant

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LANSING, Mich. – The Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) is among five local organizations to receive a 50th Anniversary Grant from the Dart Container Corporation.

The grant will allow ITEC to expand its Science of Game Design program this fall.
 
"The Dart funding will enable ITEC students to learn math, science and technology in new and exciting ways," said Kirk Riley, ITEC executive director.

"ITEC students have fun right now designing their own video games and learning math and science in the process, and this funding will help that grow."

Game design is a field with high earning potential. According to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), 2009 median annual wages for game designers and other computer specialists was $77,010.
 
ITEC uses game design and other courses to get students excited about learning.

"ITEC courses place students in informal, exploratory learning environments," said Riley. "The end result is that ITEC students see themselves as capable in math and science, rather than being intimidated – or bored – by them."

Fifty grants of $5,000 each were awarded in Dart Container’s 14 U.S.-based and six foreign plant and office communities, totaling $250,000.

"Dart employees reviewed dozens of excellent proposals for our local 50th Anniversary grants," said Claudia Deschaine, grants manager at the Dart Foundation. "ITEC was a clear top choice because it offered math, science, technology and engineering in an interesting format for at-risk students.  If students choose to make a career in these areas as a result of our support, what a wise investment that will be."

Dart Container Corporation awarded grants to the following organizations in the Greater Lansing Area:

•    Information Technology Empowerment Center, Lansing, MI: "Science of Game Design"
•    Friends of Fenner Nature Center, Lansing, MI: "Earth Scientist for a Day"
•    Mason High School, Mason, MI: Applied Technology Department
•    South Side Community Coalition, Lansing, MI: Computers for youth programs
•    Holt Public Schools, Holt, MI: "No Child Left Inside"--Dimondale Outdoor Discovery Center

Local grant awards were presented at Cooley Law School Stadium during Dart Container Corporation’s 50th anniversary celebration event on August 14, 2010.

"ITEC is thrilled to partner with Dart on this project," said Riley. "Together we will enable students to gain crucial skills to participate as tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. ITEC will grow talent here in Lansing for the jobs of the future."

For more information about ITEC and its programs, please visit http://www.iteclansing.org. An ITEC game design course for 12- to 14-year-olds, Gamestar Mechanic, will be held August 23-27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing. Parents who wish to enroll their children may call 485-8116, ext. 32.

The Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with students and families in the Capital Region to build excitement for coursework and careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Working primarily with high school and middle school students, ITEC offers programs that develop academic and leadership skills, increase educational performance and foster students’ confidence in their ability to compete professionally. ITEC's vision is to enable Lansing area residents to acquire flexible, transferable technological skills that will allow them to participate in a fast-paced global economy.