Each year, the
Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants to schools and organizations all over the U.S. whose focuses are science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; public safety; and using technology and engineering education in public safety programs. Henry Kelly, Office of Community Affairs Program Director, & Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation Executive Director, reached out to
Vince Mayfield, CEO of Bit-Wizards, to enlist his support as a guiding partner by providing expertise to Fort Walton Beach High School’s Vikings Helping Hands Program.
Fort Walton Beach High School was awarded a grant of $5,000 for an application development project called ‘High School Needs’ to be led by FWBHS Business IT teacher, Anthony Bryant. The application for this project stated that students will code a web-based app that will benefit underprivileged high school students needing food, clothing, and other necessities. The purpose of the application is to identify students who are in need and facilitate their needs so they can better focus on their schoolwork. To qualify for assistance, students will use the web application to apply online to be considered for the program by a review team. If an application scores a minimum of 80 points, that student will begin to receive assistance. The students involved in building the web app will reach out to local businesses to sponsor and donate to the program.
It's an honor to partner with Fort Walton Beach High school, Okaloosa County School District, and Motorola. STEM education is vital in preparing our children with the technical skills necessary to secure tomorrow's jobs.
- Vince Mayfield
On Friday, September 28, the 2018-2019 Motorola Solutions STEM Grant was awarded in Mr. Anthony Bryant’s classroom with his students present. Mr. Bryant was thrilled to share with his students the good news about the grant award so that they could move forward with building the app and helping their fellow high school students.
Present for the awarding of funds was Anthony Bryant; Jennifer Kraus, Bit-Wizards;
Mel Ponder, FL State Representative; Henry Kelly; Tracy Bryant, Okaloosa County School Board; David Johnson, CTE; and Merchelle Hixson-Wells, Assistant Principal FWBHS.
Bit-Wizards is exceptionally excited to lend expertise and assistance during the development of this mobile application project that looks to help the students of our wonderful community.