Nov. 2, 2016—Last Thursday, we gathered at the Best Buy on Shelbyville in Louisville, KY to receive a grant from the electronics company. Chad Douglas, General Manager of this location, represented Best Buy when he presented the big check to Njideka Harry, founder and CEO of YTF. This award is specifically for our program 3D Printing Academy for Girls in Louisville, KY.
The Best Buy grant is awarded on an annual basis to encourage organizations to steer youths towards a STEM education. Best Buy provides the grant to multiple organizations throughout the Louisville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis area to multiple organizations throughout the years. This year, YTF was the only to receive the grant from around 60 other organizations that applied.
‘“We want Best Buy to give back to the community,” said Chad. “To make sure they have the latest and greatest.”
Our 3D Printing Academy for Girls encourages female interest in STEM education through 3D technology to girls ages 8-12. We focus our attention in West Louisville, where the numbers are lower in participation in STEM fields. It’s where 62% of youth are below grade level in science, which is 20% less proficient than the entire JCPS district.
WAVE3 News also appeared on the scene to cover the local story on how the community will be impacted.
Through the grant, YTF will be able to purchase technological equipment, software, and general programming related expenses for 3D Printing Academy for Girls. The appropriate use of technology allows youths to have the latest and greatest, and reach that untapped potential.
In addition, Best Buy is open to provide volunteers to mentor our participants when teaching 3D printing and is eager to provide space.
We are thankful and look forward to how we can further create a generation of innovators through community efforts such as this grant reception with Best Buy!
