The Cosmos Foundation, that owns and operates Harmony Public Schools (HPS), receives $30,000 donation from KBR. The ceremony held at Cosmos Foundation on June 17 was highlighted with the presentation of a check conferred by Mr. Richard Jennings, Senior Manager of Community Relations & Contributions for KBR and presented to Dr. Soner Tarim, Superintendent of Harmony Public Schools. Also in attendance were HPS parents and students.
Of the $30,000 gift, $20,000 will be earmarked for the development of Harmony School of Nature (HSN). “KBR’s support helped us achieve our goals towards developing the HSN program and implementing Harmony PBL/Robotics programs. Both initiatives help educate our youth to become better scientists and engineers in the future with KBR’s support, asserted Dr. Tarim.” The generous donation will enable the Cosmos Foundation to establish a K-12 nature school where nature/environment and sustainability courses are infused into the curriculum. Field studies and environmental education programs at HSN will create an environmentally friendly atmosphere resulting in an improvement in students’ attitude and concern for the environment that will benefit the society. The HSN is slated to open in the fall of 2010 on a rural campus near Dallas.
The remaining $10,000 will allow for implementing Project Lead The Way and Robotics education in Houston Harmony Schools. Harmony Houston schools propose to implement a Project Based Learning (PBL) program enhanced with engineering, science, and robotics focused courses. According to Mr. Jennings, “KBR needs more engineers even if it takes 15 years from now.” “These efforts will help solve industry’s constant need of new engineers.” PBL will be instrumental in counteracting high school dropout rates in urban neighborhoods of Houston and the nationwide lack of student interest in science and math related careers that continue to pose a threat to our city and state’s well being and economic prosperity. PBL delivers proven results as an innovative instructional strategy that engages students in learning and encourages deep understanding. The seven Harmony schools in Houston will employ the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program. A Gateway to Technology program will be implemented in middle school grades (6-8) and Pathway to Engineering courses in high school (9-12) grades.
Harmony Public Schools operated by the Cosmos Foundation Inc, are high performing K-12 public charter schools that focus on math, science and engineering and provide opportunities for underserved communities.
