PHOENIX (May 25, 2021)- The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is pleased to announce that MCAQD education outreach staff, Jenny Frank and Katrece Swenson have been awarded ‘Arizona CSO STEM Partner of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding STEM Mentor’ for their collaboration with Arizona SciTech Institute through their Chief Science Officers (CSO) Program.
The education outreach team was recognized as the Arizona CSO STEM Partner of the Year for assisting CSO’s with their school action plans through MCAQD’s Virtual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Events. Jenny was also one of six professionals in Arizona who were recognized as Outstanding STEM Mentors. CSO Mentors are community leaders and professionals who serve as role models for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) engagements.
The Arizona SciTech Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting STEM education and awareness. The CSO Program seeks to enhance the workforce and employability skills of student CSOs and their peers; cultivate a pipeline of diverse STEM leaders prepared for college, careers, and civic engagement; and increase the engagement of STEM professionals, higher education, and community organizations with K-12 schools as both partners and mentors.
“MCAQD is honored to receive this recognition for our education efforts and collaboration with the Arizona SciTech Institute.”, said Philip McNeely, MCAQD Director. “Education is essential to raising awareness in the community and developing habits that positively impact the quality of the air we breathe in Maricopa County.”
MCAQD’s education outreach team focuses on educating children about the environment and how the choices they make impact air quality. When students are educated about the importance of clean air, they are empowered to help solve the air pollution problem in Maricopa County and become the next generation of environmental stewards.
Education Outreach Coordinator, Jenny Frank, remarked, “The partnership between MCAQD and the Arizona CSO Program provides a tremendous opportunity to collaborate in bringing real-world STEM experiences to students and the community!”
MCAQD provides free air pollution education resources to schools within Maricopa County. Resources include inquiry-based lessons, hands-on materials, and guest speakers for formal and non-formal education settings. Both virtual and in-person options are offered. To learn more about our program, please visit our website CleanAirMakeMore.com/education/k-12.
For more information about the SciTech Institute and the many STEM programs they offer visit https://scitechinstitute.org/
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MEDIA CONTACT
Ari Halpert
602-501-1266 cell
602-506-6713 desk
ari.halpert@maricopa.gov
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
MCAQD’s mission is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com.
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