College of Education and Human Development
Boeing to Fund Mason's VISTA Program
March 23, 2012
The Boeing Company has awarded $225,000 in funds over a three-year period to support Mason's VISTA science initiative.
The gift to the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) is in support of George Mason University's efforts to promote education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The gift was formally presented to Mason by Lianne Stein, vice president for Global Corporate Citizenship at Boeing. Accepting the gift on Mason's behalf was Peter Stearns, Mason Provost; Mark Ginsberg, dean of Mason's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD); and Donna R. Sterling, director of the VISTA program.
From left: Carol Daugherty, Mason director of corporate and foundation relations: Lianne Stein, vice president, Global Corporate Citizenship, Boeing Company; Mark R. Ginsberg, dean, College of Education and Human Development; Donna R. Sterling, principal investigator, VISTA; Dale Rainville, manager, Global Corporate Citizenship, Boeing Company; Wendy M. Frazier, co-principal investigator, VISTA. Photo by Evan Cantwell.
“We greatly appreciate Boeing's investment in a program that has the potential to impact nearly every student in the Commonwealth of Virginia,†says Ginsberg. “With their support, we will be better able to build an infrastructure for effective science teaching and learning that will prepare students for successful careers in the STEM fields.â€
The five-year VISTA program focuses on high-need (high-poverty, high-minority) schools to improve science teaching and student learning throughout Virginia. VISTA is dedicated to professional development and research in science for elementary teachers and secondary teachers; science coordinators; and university science education faculty. In addition, VISTA will expand upon and validate prior research and active-learning programs conducted within CEHD and Mason's Center for Restructuring Education in Science and Technology (CREST) over the past 15 years.
The project is a partnership that includes 47 Virginia school districts, six universities and the Virginia Department of Education. University partners are the College of William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and James Madison University. The project primarily is funded by a $28.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the Investing in Innovation (i3) program with additional corporate and private support, including the contributions of the Boeing Corporation.
“Mason's VISTA initiative to enhance science teaching and student learning across Virginia is the type of program that is important to continued innovation and economic growth,†says Stein. “This program will help provide students with some of the critical skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.â€
In addition to presenting the gift, representatives from Boeing had the opportunity to learn more about the VISTA program, as well as visit a science lab where VISTA students and teachers work together in a classroom setting.
The Boeing Company is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in education, engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University—Where Innovation Is Tradition.
Additional information
- VISTA website: vista.gmu.edu
- Media contact: Catherine Probst Ferraro, (703) 993-8813