The Biogen Idec Foundation in partnership with Triangle Community Foundation awarded 16 grants totaling $24,615 to Triangle area schools and nonprofits on Monday as part of its Micro-Grants in Science Education program.

The program provides small, one-time grants ranging between $250 and $2,500 to schools and nonprofits to support science education initiatives.

Triangle Community Foundation, which administers the program, received 34 applications from schools and nonprofits for this third cycle of funding.

Examples of successful initiatives include:

• A grant to The Governor Morehead School for the Blind to provide a science data collection system that is accessible for individuals with visual impairments.

• A grant to Campbell University College of Arts and Sciences to fund middle-and high-school student participation in genetics workshops at the university’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

• A grant to Carnage GT Magnet Middle School (Wake County) to create an outdoor classroom surrounded by gardens which will reduce storm water pollution into the Walnut Creek Wetland and aid in the restoration of native habitats within an urban setting.

• A grant to Orange High School to continue developing Orange County Schools’ K-12 pathway for Biotechnology.

“The Biogen Idec Foundation’s micro-grant initiative is a perfect example of a flourishing partnership between the business, nonprofit and education communities,” said Andrea Bazán, president of Triangle Community Foundation.

Other grant recipients include:

• A.L. Stanback Middle School for life sciences materials

• Chapel Hill High School for sea urchin experiments

• Chatham Middle School for classroom microscopes

• Durham Public School’s Hospital School for cell mitosis kits

• Enloe Magnet High School for DNA imaging equipment

• Granville Central High School for stream life and water quality testing supplies

• National Science Decathlon supporting Orange County Schools participation

• N.C. Central University – BRITE for programs with Durham Public Schools

• Northwood High School for equipment for metabolic lab studies

• Rogers-Herr Middle School for establishment of a Science Explorers Club

• Smith Middle School for the study of microbes

• Student U for an extended field trip on eco-systems

“We’re thrilled to see both the quality and variety of projects that local schools and nonprofits are undertaking to give kids engaging experiences with science curriculum,” said Esther Alegria, PhD, Chair, Biogen Idec Foundation. “Joining together with Triangle Community Foundation on the Micro-Grants program has helped enable our local communities to generate an intrigue and passion for science among young students.”

The Biogen Idec Foundation’s has a special emphasis on innovative ways to promote science literacy and encourage young people to consider science careers.

Triangle Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that manages $135 million in funds established by individuals, businesses and families to be administered in various programs for the community’s benefit.

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