Local organizations in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties to receive financial help
HEMLOCK, Mich. ― When Kolb and McAlear-Sawden elementary schools in Bay City won a CARE Grant recently from Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC), it meant a whole new learning opportunity for the more than 1,000 students.
The money will help the schools purchase nonfiction reading materials intended to get K-5 students excited about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The schools also will be able to buy STEM kits that will give hands-on experience with these subjects to all students, including those in special education or learning to speak English.
“We’re so excited by this opportunity to buy these materials for our students, and to give our teachers new ways to engage their classes on these important topics,” said Bay City Public Schools Superintendent Steve Bigelow. “HSC’s support could spark a lifelong love for math and science in our elementary students.”
The two schools were among 11 recipients of the first group of CARE Fund grants awarded by Hemlock-based HSC. The company began accepting applications for its new Community and Regional Empowerment (CARE) Fund for Saginaw, Midland and Bay counties in August. It recently awarded $100,000 to the first group of recipients, including schools, units of government and local groups that hold a 501(c)(3) designation.
In choosing the CARE Fund winners, HSC staff looked for projects that align with the CARE Fund mission to improve the vitality and quality of life in Great Lakes Bay Region communities where HSC employees and their families work and play. A new round of grant applications will be accepted until January 31. Local programs can receive up to $10,000, while regional programs are eligible for up to $30,000.
“There are so many incredible organizations across the Great Lakes Bay Region that are making our communities a better place,” said Brooke Beebe, HSC Vice President of External Affairs. “The CARE Fund is one way we connect our employees with community initiatives, and we’re proud to lend a helping hand.”
STEM education also was the focus of the grant won by the Midland Section of the American Chemical Society, which will use its CARE Fund grant to support local workshops and to purchase chemicals, safety ware and equipment. The Midland Section plans to provide hands-on free and fun experiences that show how STEM is used in everyday life, and to support teachers and students in science education.
Thomas Township Neighborhood Revitalization partnered with the Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity to apply for a grant that will be used to repair seven to 10 homes in the township. The funds will go to mobilize materials, deploy program staff, conduct volunteer orientations and organize the revitalization efforts.
Other organizations that received funding include:
- Bay City Western High School: Outdoor Learning Center
- The ROCK Center for Youth Development: Discover You Program
- St. Peter Lutheran School: Crosswalk signs to improve school safety
- Saginaw Intermediate School District: Math in the Mail Cohort 5
- WAI-IAM Inc.: StraightTalk
- Special Needs Vision Clinic
- Merrill Community Middle & High Schools: Track & Field Program
- READ Association of Saginaw County: Raising Readers Academy
Anyone interested in learning more about the CARE grant program and how to apply can review it on the foundations’ websites at:
About Hemlock Semiconductor
Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) is a joint venture between DuPont, Corning Inc. and Shin-Etsu Handotai. HSC is a leading provider of ultra-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells and modules. HSC began operations in 1961. To find out more, go to hscpoly.com.
For more information:
Kristen Opperman
Commuications Liaison
+1 989 301 6063
kristen.opperman@hscpoly.com