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The printers are needed for the District’s "Enhancing STEM Education through 3D Printing in Elementary Schools" project where teachers will be integrating 3D printing technology into the STEM curriculum at all seven elementary schools. Beginning in January 2025, the project will leverage 3D printing to enhance student engagement, foster creativity and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each building will receive two printers.

“ Once again this year, we are humbled and appreciative of the continuing support of STEM education for students in the Lakewood Schools. Our partnership with the Howmet Foundation continues to be an outstanding resource for high level STEM education for Lakewood students.” said LREF Executive Director Terri Richards.

Howmet Aerospace Foundation invests in STEM and technical education as part of its efforts to educate and inspire tomorrow's scientists, engineers and technical experts. The Howmet Foundation is the independently endowed charitable arm of Howmet Aerospace.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce grant will allow the Harrison community to engage with several local food producer organizations throughout the year:

• Fork Farms - Will provide the school with a curriculum to learn about agriculture and food-related occupations through quarterly school assemblies.

• Ohio City Farm run by Source: Cleveland - Over 50 Harrison English language learners will visit this nonprofit run by refugees to see refugees in our community engaged in running a fully functional farm only miles from where they live. Will also explore using Ohio City Farm produce for USDA school lunches.

• Rust Belt Riders/Tilthe Soil - Will provide soil for the school’s Green Team garden projects

• Cleveland Botanical Gardens - Green Team and EL students will visit and learn about plants and plant-related occupations.

The grant will also provide the money to buy an indoor hydroponic Flex Farm. The fruits and vegetables grown indoors will be grown specifically for use in the Harrison cafeteria to be served in school lunches, along with the produce grown in the school’s outdoor garden. The fruits and vegetables grown at Harrison will also be used by the culinary program at West Shore Career-Tech for their Ranger Cafe at Lakewood High School. The Harrison Green Team students will have the opportunity to dine at the Ranger Cafe to see how their food was used and have a chance to interact with the chefs, culinary students and the district’s dietitian.

Harrison Principal Sabrina Crawford is thrilled for her students.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunities and experiences this grant will bring to our Harrison students. This grant will open the doors for all students to truly be exposed to the world of agriculture, which is the top contributor to Ohio's economy,” Crawford said. “The amount of hands-on learning that will come from this program will be carried with them into their adulthood. They will likely gain an appreciation for fresh produce and become empowered to take ownership of their food intake with an understanding of the health benefits!"