MINNESOTA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE RECEIVES $40,000 GRANT AS PART OF STATEWIDE EFFORT TO INCREASE VOLUNTEERS

[St. Paul, MN, December 14, 2022] -- The Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS), a leading nonprofit in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programming and education, will receive a $40,000 subgrant from the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA)’s Volunteer Generation Fund grant of $975,360 from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. 

MAS joined MAVA’s collaborative of 21 organizations from across Minnesota that are developing increased capacity to connect community volunteers with Minnesota students. MAS will leverage grant funds to increase volunteer recruitment and retention and connect a diverse group of volunteers with students participating in its Fostering Opportunities and Relationships in STEM Education (FORSE) program. 

"We are thrilled to be part of this statewide collaborative effort and so grateful for MAVA's leadership,” said Lara Maupin, MAS Executive Director. “This funding will help strengthen our volunteer recruitment capacity so we can support more Minnesota kids in reaching their potential through high-impact STEM mentoring and enrichment."

MAVA will provide training, consultation, and support as collaborative members work to generate significant, measurable improvements in the number of volunteers generated, remove structural inequities, advance racial equality, and help local communities respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founded in 1873, MAS is a statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to connecting Minnesotans of all backgrounds with resources and opportunities to engage in STEM learning, research, and communication - and to recognize excellence in these areas. MAS’ programs include team competitions, project showcases, and mentoring and enrichment programs that promote STEM inquiry and research.