Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary, known as FABE, is seeking funding to expand science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, enrichment programs for Atlantic Beach Elementary students. If approved, the grant would create more access to hands-on learning in those fields.
FABE addressed the Atlantic Beach City Commission at the June 29 workshop, requesting $10,000 in city grant funding to strengthen the STEM classroom, broaden the robotics program and give more students the chance to build real-world skills.
The funding would also help develop a proposed STEM weather assembly to explore meteorology and severe weather events, including Florida's unique climate challenges.
Sunny Wroten, FABE's vice president of fundraising, cited the results of last year's grant as she addressed commissioners. The city awarded the group $7,500 last year, which helped fund the STEM resource class, a schoolwide STEM assembly and the robotics program.
"That investment had an incredible impact on our students," she said. "Together, those programs reached virtually every student in our school."
The STEM resource class gave students regular opportunities to explore engineering, coding, robotics, design challenges and scientific investigation through interactive activities that aren't possible in a traditional classroom, Wroten said.
She also pointed to the STEM assembly, which offered students hands-on exposure to live animals as they learned about biology and environmental science. The school's robotics team continued building engineering and programming skills while developing teamwork and leadership through competitions representing Atlantic Beach Elementary.
"These programs don't just teach facts," Wroten said. "They inspire curiosity and confidence."
FABE is a nonprofit organization made up of school families, staff and community members. The group raises money through events such as the Dolphin Dash and Benefactor Party, with proceeds supporting the school's STEM curriculum, resource teachers, facility improvements and classroom activities.
Mayor Curtis Ford said city staff will review the funding proposal and contact FABE for additional information, if necessary, before making a final decision.
