EAST PROVIDENCE — District administrators and elected officials from the city gathered Monday, Feb. 24, with representatives of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to announce a new educational grant for Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School to support the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs there.

Superintendent Kathryn Crowley, State Representative Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) Jessica Frasco, director of advocacy and strategic alliances PhRMA, met with students to talk about furthering their STEM education and the many opportunities to apply those skills in the biopharmaceutical sector.

“I have seen firsthand the dedication of educators here at Whiteknact Elementary School. They are committed to offering students unique learning opportunities that will get them excited about the STEM fields. I want to thank PhRMA for supporting our students and the East Providence community,” said Rep. Amore.

“PhRMA represents the nation’s top biopharmaceutical research companies that allow America to remain a leader in innovation and breakthroughs. Programs like this will encourage students to build an interest in the STEM fields early,” said Ms. Frasco. “PhRMA is proud to support Whiteknact Elementary School and its dedication to offering students high-quality STEM education.”

The STEM Talent Pipeline Grant will support Whiteknact Elementary School’s “Focus on First” curriculum for first-grade students, which includes a strong focus on science, technology, and engineering. As part of this new curriculum, the school will be offering students Project-Based Learning Experiences in these subjects. Students will have the opportunity to create, design, develop, and engineer solutions to real-world problems.

“We are excited to offer our first-grade students this exciting opportunity to learn more about the STEM fields and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The importance of getting our younger students interested in these subjects can’t be emphasized enough. Thank you to PhRMA and Representative Amore for supporting our students,” said Whiteknact principal Laurie Marchand.

Added Joshua Pereira, President of the Whiteknact Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, “I would like to thank PhRMA and Representative Amore for their support of Whiteknact Elementary School’s students. This grant will help us offer our students hands-on experiences in the STEM fields.”