The EdVenture Group has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the EQT Foundation to support two groundbreaking initiatives: the Greene County Innovation Ecosystem (GCIE) and the West Virginia Innovation Academy. This grant will enable The EdVenture Group to scale Phase III of the GCIE effort across five districts within Greene County, Pennsylvania, while piloting a new model for student engagement through the West Virginia Innovation Academy. These initiatives will empower educators, spark student creativity, and ultimately prepare students for workforce success.
“We are thankful for the continued support of the EQT Foundation and their vision for supporting innovation in education,” said Amber Ravenscroft, Director of Innovation. “We look forward to continuing our support of collaboration across Greene County’s school districts and bringing creative community engagement initiatives to West Virginia students.”
Scaling Innovation in Pennsylvania
GCIE Phase III will build upon the existing project’s momentum by supporting participating districts in establishing a long-term vision for STEM education. This phase will involve:
- Collecting data on STEM perceptions and priorities across Greene County,
- Facilitating strategic doing sessions with all five districts,
- Developing a comprehensive sustainability plan for the GCIE program beyond initial funding, and,
- Assisting districts in pursuing collaborative, multi-year funding opportunities.
Empowering West Virginia Students to Innovate
The West Virginia Innovation Academy pilot program will address the growing need for creativity skills training and community engagement within secondary education. This initiative will provide high school students with an immersive experience focusing on design thinking methodology, entrepreneurial development, as well as collaboration with local businesses and community stakeholders to solve relevant, community-based problems. The pilot program will involve:
- Developing a comprehensive program framework, including a facilitation guide and implementation materials,
- Training and support for pilot sites in Fairmont and Bridgeport WV,
- Organizing and delivering a one-day hackathon event, and
- Hosting a school-based WV Innovation Academy Showcase.
Established in 2003, the EQT Foundation has awarded more than $74 million to nonprofits throughout the operational footprint of EQT Corporation. The EQT Foundation helps communities prosper through focused giving and is committed to supporting the education and training of children and adults, the development of diverse, livable communities, and preserving natural environments. For more information, visit https://www.eqt.com/community/eqt-foundation/.
The EdVenture Group is a non-profit organization committed to creating customized solutions to educational challenges and transforming K-12 education through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships. Founded by a classroom teacher, The EdVenture group provides proven processes, programs, and expertise to students, educators, and communities in Appalachia and nationwide. For more information, visit www.theedventuregroup.org or contact Amber Ravenscroft, Director of Innovation, at [email protected].