Like every school leader within Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), Northwest Middle School Principal Phil Schults knows that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education will be radically transformed as a result of a major gift from Eil Lilly.
Schults recently helped oversee the delivery of 60 pallets of gently-used equipment from the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company. In the coming weeks, Teachers Treasures, a local nonprofit, will help distribute the equipment to teachers throughout the district and Marion County.
“Science teachers and students throughout IPS and Marion County will benefit from science equipment from Lilly including beakers, Petri dishes, pressure chambers, light refractors, and scales,” Schults said. “The equipment will provide teachers an opportunity to give students hands-on experiences in laboratory investigations, STEM activities, and Project Lead the Way curriculum.”
The opportunities for teachers and students are endless, noted IPS Supt. Dr. Aleesia Johnson.
“We all were in school and we know that sometimes when it’s just the book or just the computer, it’s just not as fun,” Johnson said. “So, when I can get my hands on it and experience it in real life it creates a new level of engagement and interest for students.”
This donation highlights Lilly, one of the district’s dedicated community partners during IPS Community Service Day, part of the IPS Week celebration. Each year, Lilly donates new and gently used lab equipment and office supplies to schools in Central Indiana.
“With Lilly being founded and operating right here in Indianapolis, it is critical for us to partner with IPS,” said Charlotte Hawthorne, Lilly’s director of social impact.
In the end, the new science equipment should spur student interest in STEM fields, said Dr. Johnson, who noted job opportunities are soaring in those areas.
“We know that when students can get hands-on into the materials and experience science, it comes alive,” Johsnon said. “That helps cultivate their interest and engagement in opportunities that may arise down road.”
This donation highlights Lilly, one of the district’s dedicated community partners during IPS Community Service Day, part of the IPS Week celebration. Each year, Lilly donates new and gently used lab equipment and office supplies to schools in Central Indiana.
“With Lilly being founded and operating right here in Indianapolis, it is critical for us to partner with IPS,” said Charlotte Hawthorne, Lilly’s director of social impact.
In the end, the new science equipment should spur student interest in STEM fields, said Dr. Johnson, who noted job opportunities are soaring in those areas.
“We know that when students can get hands-on into the materials and experience science, it comes alive,” Johsnon said. “That helps cultivate their interest and engagement in opportunities that may arise down road.”
“We all were in school and we know that sometimes when it’s just the book or just the computer, it’s just not as fun,” Johnson said. “So, when I can get my hands on it and experience it in real life it creates a new level of engagement and interest for students.”
This donation highlights Lilly, one of the district’s dedicated community partners during IPS Community Service Day, part of the IPS Week celebration. Each year, Lilly donates new and gently used lab equipment and office supplies to schools in Central Indiana.
“With Lilly being founded and operating right here in Indianapolis, it is critical for us to partner with IPS,” said Charlotte Hawthorne, Lilly’s director of social impact.
In the end, the new science equipment should spur student interest in STEM fields, said Dr. Johnson, who noted job opportunities are soaring in those areas.
“We know that when students can get hands-on into the materials and experience science, it comes alive,” Johsnon said. “That helps cultivate their interest and engagement in opportunities that may arise down road.”