ACTC Receives Toyota Grant for Science Fair

Ashland Community and Technical College has received a $12,000 grant from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. to support the ACTC / FIVCO Science and Engineering Fair.

ACTC started the Fair last year to increase student interest in STEM Subjects - science, technology, engineering and mathematics that that are considered vital to the economic development of the region.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% job growth for STEM-related occupations in the next few years, and sustained growth the next several decades.The Fair is designed to encourage learning of the STEM subjects that will help students prepare for high-tech careers.

This years fair for fourth to twelfth grade students will be held February 7 at ACTCs Technology Drive Campus. Participation is open to public, parochial or home-based school students in Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence Counties in Kentucky.

The Toyota grant will provide resources to help the planning committee produce the science fair according ISEF guidelines and to assist winning participants attend subsequent science fair competitions.

Our partnership with Toyota will help the college grow this important initiative, said Dr. Kay Adkins, ACTC President and CEO. Like Toyota, ACTC is committed to supporting and enhancing the STEM curriculum in our schools.

Last years Fair had over 90 entries from 21 different schools. The planning committee of teachers from every FIVCO area school district wants to expand participation this year to every elementary, middle and high school in the region. Fair information in on the web at: fivcosciencefair.com.

The grant will be administered through the Community and Technical College Foundation of Ashland, Inc.