PHOTO PROVIDED
Members of the Croda Community Engagement Committee including Brittany Swortwood, Sara Reynolds and Tim Abbott present students at Mill Hall Elementary with the donation. Accepting with the students is Amy Breon, School Principal and KCF Board Member and Bridget Smith, Mill Hall Elementary Guidance Counselor.
MILL HALL — Croda, with locations in Mill Hall and Lamar, recently announced a generous donation of over $4,000 to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Keystone Central School District.
This contribution through the Keystone Central Foundation marks the beginning of an exciting initiative to introduce 3D printers into local elementary schools and launch a new mini-grant program for teachers to enhance classroom STEM opportunities.
The funding provided by Croda will equip elementary classrooms with cutting-edge 3D printing technology — tools that inspire creativity, support hands-on learning and bring STEM concepts to life in ways that are engaging and meaningful for young students.
In addition, the newly established mini-grant program will provide teachers in grades K-12 with the resources to develop innovative STEM projects and activities tailored to their students’ needs and interests.
“Croda is committed to supporting education and innovation in our community,” said Hana Graybill, Community Engagement Associate at Croda. “We believe that investing in STEM education at all grade levels lays a critical foundation for future success — not only for individual students but for the advancement of our workforce and society as a whole.”
STEM education in schools plays a vital role in preparing students to become future leaders, problem-solvers and innovators. Introducing STEM early helps children develop critical thinking, collaboration and technological literacy — skills that are essential in a rapidly changing world. By fostering curiosity and confidence in young learners, these experiences can shape their future academic choices and career paths.
The Keystone Central Foundation is grateful for the support from Croda and excited to see the positive impact this investment will have on students and teachers alike.
“Our goal is to empower students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in a global, technology-driven economy,” said Melissa Bottorf, Executive Director of the Keystone Central Foundation. “This generous donation from Croda is a significant step in making that vision a reality.”
Croda’s commitment to STEM education reflects its broader mission to be a responsible and engaged partner in the communities it serves. The company looks forward to seeing the creative ways local educators and students will use these new resources to spark innovation and lifelong learning.
To learn more about Croda, visit its website: www.croda.com.