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The Maxar Better World Foundation today announced its inaugural grants to six organizations focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

The mission of the Foundation is to support organizations that improve the lives of individuals, embrace their diversity and provide them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. The organization’s work is particularly focused on advancing STEM education for underserved and diverse people, helping veterans and active-duty military and their families and supporting global natural disaster preparedness and relief.

For its initial round of grants, the Foundation chose nonprofit organizations doing STEM work aligned with the mission in communities where Maxar has team members. These individuals span 46 U.S. states and territories and 20 countries. Within the U.S., Maxar centers of employment are in Westminster and Longmont, Colorado; Pasadena, Palo Alto and San Jose, California; Herndon, Charlottesville and Arlington, Virginia; and the District of Columbia, Michigan and Florida.

The Foundation’s summer 2021 grant recipients are:

AI4ALL: Focusing on increasing diversity and inclusion in artificial intelligence (AI) education, research, development and policy. A general operating grant of $25,000 will support program operations, student recruitment and alumni support for this California-based national organization.

Black Girls Dive Foundation: Keeping young girls and women afloat in Maryland, New Jersey and Georgia by encouraging the study of STEM through marine conservation lessons and activities. Black Girls Dive received a $9,500 grant to support its ocean science program, STREAMS, for girls aged 9-17, including exposure to oceanography, robotics and diving.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver: Providing a safe, supportive, fun and enriching environment that empowers Club members to achieve their greatest potential. Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver received a grant of $25,000 to support a pilot program on information technology workforce development for teens.

High Tech, High Heels: Working to increase the number of girls entering a college-level degree program in STEM. The grant of $10,000 will provide funding for a technology upgrade for this organization with chapters in California, Colorado and Texas.

Rosie Riveters: Equipping and empowering preschool to middle school girls from diverse backgrounds primarily in Florida and the District of Columbia to be strong, confident and competent in STEM. Rosie Riveters was awarded a $10,000 grant to support STEM programs for Blue Star military families (those with an active-duty service member), including employment options for military spouses and STEM engagement for girls.

STEM for Her: Promoting education to create awareness, excitement and opportunities among girls to launch successful STEM-related careers. The grant of $10,000 will support the growth of programs and allow the D.C.-based organization to conduct impact analysis and research.

These awards provide support to programs that have a strong local impact on STEM education in furtherance of the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation expects to make future grant awards in the areas of active military and veterans support, disaster relief, as well as further awards in STEM.

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