Rotary of Ark City has provided $3,000 in grant funds to the Ark City Middle School for the purchase of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math or STE(A)M literature.
Dr. Dennis Rittle, a Rotarian and president of Cowley College, said the overall goal of the project is to advance career awareness in the STE(A)M fields while simultaneously promoting student literacy and career development for the next generation of community and business leaders.
Several Rotary members spent time talking with a group of middle school students last week.
They looked through some of the new books, talked about career opportunities, and worked on projects with the middle school’s makerspace supplies.
“During and after this heartfelt morning with middle school students, I heard each Rotarian comment that this exchange did more for the Rotarian than what the Rotarian thought possible,” Rittle said. “We thank the them for their kind hospitality and look forward to future opportunities to interact with the students.”
Georgia Sweetwood, ACMS Library Media Specialist, expressed gratitude for the contribution noting the library had a limited number of STE(A)M books and a growing interest amongst students.
“The Rotary has been so very generous,” Sweetwood said. “It was great for the students to have this interaction and to learn more about what their potential career options are – we’re grateful.”
(Front page photo caption: Rotary member Dr. Dennis Rittle and ACMS Library Media Specialist Georgia Sweetwood welcome students to the book café event Wednesday morning.)
