Universal Orlando Foundation Powers Student Success Full STEAM Ahead

In celebration of National STEM/STEAM Day, A Gift for Teaching is proud to spotlight a transformative partnership with the Universal Orlando Foundation, which has awarded a $100,000 grant to launch “Full STEAM Ahead: Powering Student Success” for the 2025–2026 school year.

This innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math project is designed to transform education in high-need Central Florida schools. It gives teachers and students access to a variety of free STEAM learning tools and experiences that ignite imagination, cultivate creativity, stimulate strategic thinking, and equip engaging learning environments.   

Thanks to this funding, STEM resources has been expanded in both the Free Teacher Supply Store and Pencil Boy Express – The Mobile Free Store. These new dedicated sections are stocked with essential materials that help teachers conduct hands-on, real-world lessons aligned with statewide STEM education standards— helping students explore future career paths and build curiosity in the sciences.

In addition, core school supplies will be delivered directly to five Title I schools this school year: Foresyth Woods Elementary, Lake Sybelia Elementary, Little River Elementary, Lockhart Elementary, and Orange Center Elementary. These bi-annual deliveries ensure students start each academic semester with the tools they need, while easing the financial burden on teachers who often spend their own money to stock their classrooms throughout the year.

The addition of the arts to STEM is to infuse creativity, collaboration and imagination into the equation. The grant also supports the expansion of our A Gift for Music program to Eccleston Elementary, offering weekly, tuition-free violin lessons for up to 50 students – reinstating an afterschool program that was paused during the pandemic.

These efforts support teachers in our community, reduce barriers to transformative learning, and ignite student curiosity to explore the possibilities within STEAM education.

“This grant allows us to meet teachers where they are, whether in the classroom, at our store, or on the road, and provide the resources they need to inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Jane Thompson, President of A Gift for Teaching.

“We’re grateful to the Universal Orlando Foundation for helping us bring this vision to life.”

As we celebrate National STEM/STEAM Day 2025, we recognize how partnership and innovation drive student success across Central Florida.

This generous grant marks a powerful step toward leveling the educational playing field – ensuring more students have the opportunity to explore, create, and succeed through engaging STEAM experiences that open doors to lifelong learning and future opportunities.