Tennessee-based Foundation Invests in Fab Lab Student Leaders IN Sarasota

The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab (SSC) is proud to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from The Interchange Foundation to support its innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programming. In particular, the grant will support SSC student-led initiatives including the Student Planning & Education Committee (SPEC) which empowers high school students to develop and teach hands on classes and camps at the Fab Lab and throughout the community; its annual Remote Control Car competition which is led by a high school student committee; and its BUILD program which provides high school students with the opportunity to develop technical and life skills through project-based learning. Through experiential learning, each of the programs equips high school students with the skills needed to excel in post-secondary pursuits.

The Interchange Foundation, a Tennessee-based non-profit organization, established a presence in Florida in 2021. The organization was founded by Rebecca and Brian Wood with a mission to empower women and minorities who are interested in exploring careers in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented. As successful entrepreneurs, the Woods have seen first-hand the empowerment and financial stability that can be earned by embracing opportunities in non-traditional fields. Shortly after settling into the gulf coast, Rebecca sought out local organizations making a difference through STEAM education. After touring the state-of-the-art Faulhaber fabrication lab and learning of the youth lives being impacted every day, the decision to collaborate was solidified.

“We were thrilled to connect with the Suncoast Science Center and help support our mutual mission of exposing curious minds to careers in the sciences,” shared Rebecca Wood, Executive Director of The Interchange Foundation. “The Suncoast Science Center is an amazing organization who maximize every dollar they receive and every student engagement. Their passionate commitment to the community is something we want to support.”

“We are so grateful for the support of The Interchange Foundation, added SSC Executive Director Ping Faulhaber. “Their investment in creating real-world learning opportunities for the innovators of tomorrow will help move the needle and prepare students, of all backgrounds and experiences, for successful pursuit of STEM fields.”

To learn more about the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab and its unique programs, visit Suncoast Science.

About the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab

The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded with the mission to inspire and support tomorrow’s innovators through experiential learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Through its fabrication lab and innovative programs, the Suncoast Science Center encourages people of all ages to explore ideas, build skills and confidence, and become lifelong learners. To learn more, visit Suncoast Science or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Interchange Foundation

The Interchange Foundation seeks to provide avenues for women and racial minorities, in Tennessee and Florida, to pursue careers and operate viable businesses in the science, technology, engineering, math and construction (STEM-C) fields by providing STEM and Construction-related support.

Feature Photo Caption: BUILD volunteer Mary Dowling learns how to use the vertical bandsaw for a project.