Illinois’s Mount Sterling. 23 public and private schools in west central Illinois have received awards totaling more than $170,000 from Dot Foods, Inc., the biggest food sector redistributor in North America. The contributions are a part of Dot’s STEM Education Initiative, which is an ongoing endeavor to support regional workforce development and pique students’ interest in STEM-related careers over the long term.
Dot asked schools in west-central Illinois to apply for grants under its STEM Education Grant Program in order to promote more STEM education. In the end, 23 grants totaling $170,939.87 were given out. The objective was to integrate practical, real-world STEM education into classrooms to assist projects that include students in STEM subjects. Recipients of grants come from a wide range of west central Illinois schools that educate K–12 students.
We’re thrilled to contribute to the realization of these creative projects, stated Suzy Parn, who oversees the program for Dot’s Charitable Committee, in a news release. From basic robotics kits to high school makerspaces and drone-based education, these educational institutions are providing students with worthwhile opportunities to investigate STEM subjects and develop skills that will be useful in the future.
These funds expand upon Dot’s two-year engagement in STEM education in the region, which has already provided $150,000 for classroom resource support, teacher training, and educator cooperation. Resources for experiential, tech-focused instruction are scarce in many smaller and rural institutions. Dot Foods is contributing to the expansion of access to these experiences by funding initiatives like STEM classroom kits, 3D printing, and robotics laboratories. Additionally, Dot provides student tours and staff-led classroom visits.
More students have the opportunity to investigate their interests, abilities, and career options in the technologically advanced world of today thanks to the curriculum. By assisting children in acquiring problem-solving, teamwork, decision-making, and other skills that may spark an interest in STEM-related postsecondary education and careers, Dot aims to improve the talent pipeline in west central Illinois. This initiative demonstrates Dot’s ongoing dedication to enhancing the areas in which its workers reside and work.
2025 STEM Awards and Grant Recipients
- A-C Central Elementary: K-5 Makerspace $6,500.00
- Astoria Grade School: Lego Science in the Classroom $7,500.00
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic School: 3D Printers and Carts $7,500.00
- Brown County Elementary School: K-2 STEM supplies $13,000
- Carrollton Grade School: K-4 Makerspace $5,000.00
- CUSD #3 Fulton County (Cuba, Ill.): Matching Grant for Drone Soccer $7,250.00
- Gard Elementary School: STEM supplies $7,589.92
- Griggsville-Perry CUSD #4: Elementary & Middle School STEM Space $12,219.05
- Liberty: VR Headsets $6,500.00
- Macomb CUSD #185 Lincoln and Edison Elementary: Makerspace Addition $5,990.00
- North Greene Elementary: STEM Learning Kits $6,000.00
- Payson Seymour High School: STEM Lab Materials $8,386.83
- Pikeland CUSD #10 PCS and South: Pre-K 8 STEM Materials $10,111.00
- Schuyler Industry Middle School: Grades 5-8 STEM Program $14,859.00
- Scott-Morgan CUSD #2: K-8 Lego Learning Kits $4,500.00
- Southeastern Jr/Sr High School: Maker Lab Equipment $14,315.86
- St. Mary School: Ozobot Robots $2,541.40
- Triopia Grade School CUSD #27: STEM Equipment $4,000.00
- Unity Middle School: STEM Materials $10,600.00
- West Prairie CUSD #103 (Colchester): Robotics Equipment $7,500.00
- Western Elementary (Barry): Robots $2,376.81
- Warsaw Elementary School: STEM Materials $2,700.00
- Western Junior High Western CUSD #12 (Kinderhook): 3D Printers $4,000.00
Each scholarship is supported by a group of educators who strive to pique kids’ interest, boost their self-esteem, and get them ready for the future. Through a new STEM program, Dot’s grant provides the teachers at Schuyler Industry Middle School with the resources they need to educate creatively and invigorate the classroom.
According to Jeff Ackman, principal of Schuyler Industry, this approach will improve student engagement. We are appreciative of Dot Foods’ kindness. We are able to establish a program with this award that we hope will expand annually.
Dot Foods is thrilled to see how these initiatives provide children in the area with additional chances to investigate, try new things, and envision what might be.
