Help Accelerate STEM Education Locally Through DonorsChoose.org

Help Accelerate STEM Education Locally Through DonorsChoose.org

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is taking another big step to help power the STEM ecosystem through a charitable giving initiative aimed at supporting local teachers as they raise money for projects related to science, technology, engineering and math. The initiative matches funds donated to STEM education classroom projects created by local teachers on DonorsChoose.org, an online platform that enables public school teachers to crowdfund materials and field trips for their students.

 “We believe supporting STEM education is a powerful tool in empowering youth to cultivate an interest in these careers,” said Eugene “Mitch” Mitchell, vice president of state government affairs and external affairs at SDG&E. “Through the DonorsChoose.org program, we are choosing to continue to invest in our next generation of STEM leaders who will build a brighter future for us all.”

Teachers at schools within SDG&E’s service territory that have STEM projects totaling $1,000 or less are eligible to receive matching funds. SDG&E will match public donations to eligible projects and will provide a $2 to $1 match for schools in select disadvantaged communities, making public contributions to these programs even more impactful for local students. 

“STEM teachers in Escondido and across the County work very hard to prepare our students for the future,” said Luis Rankins-Ibarra, superintendent of the Escondido Union School District. “We thank SDG&E for investing in their classroom STEM projects and their students, and for creating a special opportunity to invest in teachers in disadvantaged communities.”

Rosa Ramos, an elementary school teacher in El Cajon recently requested a 3D printer for her classroom to inspire her students to become innovators, designers and creators using cutting-edge technology. “The printer will allow my students to practice graphic design, architecture, and modeling to encourage them to become computational thinkers and problem-solvers, and to take the skills and knowledge they will learn to help improve their lives and those of people around them,” said Ramos.

SDG&E provided match to fund her request through DonorsChoose.org. Teachers are encouraged to create project requests through www.DonorsChoo.se/SDGEstemteachers. To make a donation to a project that SDG&E is matching, visit www.DonorsChoose.org/SDGE. With the SDG&E match, every dollar donated can make an impact.