Manalapan High School Receives $10,000 Grant from OceanFirst Foundation

Focusing on STEM education, Manalapan High School was awarded a $10,000 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation as a part of the Model Classroom Grant Program.

The goal of the Model Classroom Grant Program is to support bold and innovative schools that have the vision, creativity and desire to develop model classrooms for learning. The grants support schools that are committed to creating and promoting a culture of academic excellence, improving and enhancing classroom instruction and want to embrace new technology, tools and training that adds value to the learning experience and helps improve student achievement.

Manalapan High School was one of five local schools awarded $10,000 grants in the high school category. Manalapan will use their grant to create a STEM learning center that addresses the increasing local, state and national need for scientists, engineers, technicians and other skilled workers in STEM fields. Currently, the classroom layout only allows the instructor to use half of the useable space at any one time, limiting the types of projects that can be assigned. It also limits collaboration and the flow of ideas that are crucial to the curricular goals being taught. Their vision is to create a dedicated space where computer aided design (CAD), digital media, pre-engineering classes and other STEM enrichment activities are offered.

The grant funds will be used to purchase CAD workstations that will integrate components of traditional hand drawing with a computer workstation. In addition, Manalapan will install Autodesk, a program that will allow students to work with industry standard CAD software. They will also purchase a smart board to allow for interactive teacher and student presentations and a 3-D printer to allow students to design innovative prototypes and fabricate them right in the classroom. This new printer will further allow students to use software programs to engineer models, one of a kind parts or prototypes of their designs, and transfer theoretical knowledge of their design into a tangible product. The classroom redesign and technology infrastructure upgrades will raise the rigor of the school day curriculum through more interactive hands on learning opportunities and project based learning

“I am thankful to both the Ocean First Foundation for awarding us this grant and to Brian Donahue, Assistant Principal, for putting the grant proposal together. The financial award will a go long way towards upgrading one of our current technology education labs so that we can better prepare students for future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related fields,” Manalapan High School Principal Adam Angelozzi, Ed.D. said.

John R. Garbarino, Chairman of OceanFirst Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of OceanFirst Bank said, “We recognize the critical role the classroom plays in a student’s academic and life-long success as well as the challenges presented by the school districts’ limited resources. We are proud of our investment in local schools and we remain committed to contributing the resources needed to develop creative solutions that helpstudents and teachers succeed in the classroom and beyond the school walls.”

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the nation to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. Celebrating its 18th anniversary, the Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to more than 600 local charities and schools in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. OceanFirst Foundation’s four priorities include Housing, Health and Wellness, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development.

The schools of the Freehold Regional High School District form a diverse and supportive community offering innovative and comprehensive programs that inspire students to maximize their potential, preparing them to navigate an evolving global society.