The Jack Kent Cookie Foundation has awarded a total of $1,632,598 in STEM education grants in recognition of the barrier facing high-performing, low-income students interested in STEM fields.

"We are squandering the talents of millions of students who would pursue successful and influential careers in STEM fields if only they had educational opportunities that prepared them early on," said Executive Director Harold O. Levy. "The Cooke Foundation is tackling this monumental waste by supporting organizations and programs that will put low-income middle and high school students on the path to studying STEM in college and beyond."

Grants have been awarded to the New York Academy of Sciences, the Duke University Talent Identification Program, the Art of Problem Solving, The College of William and Mary, Purdue University Gifted Education Research Institute, and New York University.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. By offering the largest scholarships in the country, in-depth academic counseling and other direct services, the Foundation seeks to help high-performing, low-income students to develop their talents and excel educationally. In addition to providing students both counseling and financial support from middle school to graduate school, the Foundation provides grants for noteworthy and innovative initiatives that support high-performing, low-income students. Founded in 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $130 million in scholarships to almost 1,900 students and over $80 million in grants.

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By Samantha DiMauro, Education World Contributor