SAIC Donates $300,000 to University of Maryland, Baltimore County to Enhance STEM Education

Strategic Insights -

The Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) has pledged to donate $300,000 to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to support its new College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Active Science Teaching and Learning Environment (CASTLE) program. The program aims to improve student success in introductory math and science classes by redesigning courses and implementing active learning approaches. According to the university, the CASTLE program was established in the fall of 2010, and the donation from SAIC will help faculty members create an environment that fosters effective learning.

Key Takeaways:

  • SAIC, a leader in scientific, engineering, and technology applications, has committed $300,000 to UMBC's CASTLE program to support STEM education.
  • The donation will help faculty members redesign courses and implement active learning approaches to improve student success in math and science classes.
  • The CASTLE program was established in the fall of 2010 to address the challenges of introductory math and science classes, where students often struggle to build on previous knowledge.
  • The program's goal is to create an environment where students can learn in the most effective way, using round tables and workstations to promote active learning and problem-solving.
  • SAIC has a long history of collaboration with UMBC, including a summer internship program and representation on the university's advisory boards.
  • The donation from SAIC aligns with UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski's vision of preparing more students for careers in STEM fields, which are critical for the country's future competitiveness.

Statistics:

  • SAIC has donated $300,000 to UMBC's CASTLE program.
  • The CASTLE program was established in the fall of 2010.
  • SAIC was founded in 1969 in La Jolla, Calif.
  • UMBC has a long collaboration with SAIC, with students participating in a summer internship program and advisory boards representation.
  • The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university in Maryland.

Sources:

  • "SAIC Donates $300,000 to University of Maryland, Baltimore County," Arbutus Times (January 11, 2011).
  • Science Applications International Corp. website, http://www.saic.com.
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore County website, http://www.umbc.edu.