NEWS
AFL Awards $10K Grant to SC GSSM Foundation for Summer STEM Camps
07/15/2019
Spartanburg, SC – July 16, 2019 – AFL, a manufacturer of fiber optic cable, connectivity and equipment, presented a $10K grant to the SC Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), a public high school for students who have an interest in pursuing advanced studies in science, technology, engineering and math. The grant, made possible by AFL’s Community Outreach Program, supported two summer programs, iTEAMS Xtreme: Next Generation and CREATEng, providing financial aid for up to 50 participants to attend the GSSM camps. In 2019, seventeen camps were held across the state of South Carolina.
“Both camps stimulate innovative thinking and are customized to engage and inspire participants, including those with no prior knowledge,” commented Elizabeth Dinndorf, J.D., executive director of the GSSM Foundation. “We feel certain that their camp experience will continue to impact their lives and the South Carolina economy for years to come.”
iTEAMS Xtreme: Next Generation is a week-long computer science and robotics camp that serves rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Campers program microcontrollers to operate robots, explore the Internet of Things (IoT), and grow their digital communication skills. Activities included robot World Cup soccer tournament in addition to creating laser security games and a digitally-connected smart home.
CREATEng camps serve rising 8th and 9th grade students. Students applied the principles of engineering design to solve challenges through the lens of NASA engineers colonizing Mars. They built wind-proof structures, designed rover all-terrain vehicle wheels, and created bridges one might encounter on the red planet’s surface.
Dinndorf continued, “Students are immersed in STEM experiences and discover new career opportunities that ignite a passion for pursuing STEM studies.”
GSSM hires and trains local teachers to serve at the camps each year. Teachers return to their classrooms armed with additional knowledge and skills obtained during training and camp experiences.
AFL’s Community Outreach Program includes grants, sponsorships, volunteer and environment initiatives, disaster relief, scholarships and more. For additional information on AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
About AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise and industrial markets as well as several emerging markets. The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, fusion splicers and training. AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.
Corie Culp
Community Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com
“Both camps stimulate innovative thinking and are customized to engage and inspire participants, including those with no prior knowledge,” commented Elizabeth Dinndorf, J.D., executive director of the GSSM Foundation. “We feel certain that their camp experience will continue to impact their lives and the South Carolina economy for years to come.”
iTEAMS Xtreme: Next Generation is a week-long computer science and robotics camp that serves rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Campers program microcontrollers to operate robots, explore the Internet of Things (IoT), and grow their digital communication skills. Activities included robot World Cup soccer tournament in addition to creating laser security games and a digitally-connected smart home.
CREATEng camps serve rising 8th and 9th grade students. Students applied the principles of engineering design to solve challenges through the lens of NASA engineers colonizing Mars. They built wind-proof structures, designed rover all-terrain vehicle wheels, and created bridges one might encounter on the red planet’s surface.
Dinndorf continued, “Students are immersed in STEM experiences and discover new career opportunities that ignite a passion for pursuing STEM studies.”
GSSM hires and trains local teachers to serve at the camps each year. Teachers return to their classrooms armed with additional knowledge and skills obtained during training and camp experiences.
AFL’s Community Outreach Program includes grants, sponsorships, volunteer and environment initiatives, disaster relief, scholarships and more. For additional information on AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
About AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise and industrial markets as well as several emerging markets. The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, fusion splicers and training. AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.
Headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and read our blog.
ContactCorie Culp
Community Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com