Osceola High School Receives STEM Grant From Toshiba America Foundation For $10,000

Osceola High School (OHS) and educator Stacy Nichols have received a $10,000 STEM grant from the Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) to support a new Forensic Science classroom on campus. This classroom will enhance students' problem-solving skills using real-life scenarios and simulated crime scenes through hands-on learning. This will give students the required critical thinking skills that can prepare them for science-related careers and advanced education. With a partnership already in the works with Kissimmee Police Department, the Osceola School District is ready to move forward with this new science program at OHS.

"Osceola High School will now have a model Forensic Classroom due to receiving this grant. From toxicology reports, fingerprinting processes, detective-like lesson plans, and a high level of inquiry, this opportunity is a dream come true for our school," said Johana Santiago, Principal of Osceola High.

“Ms. Nichols is an extraordinary individual with the heart of a true teacher. She is compassionate, graceful, dedicated, and loving. Ms. Nichols represents true Kowboy values, and we are blessed to have her on our staff."

Toshiba America Foundation’s (TAF) grants fund projects that are designed by individual classroom teachers like Ms. Nichols, thereby bringing immediate results to students. Teachers are able to change the way they teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based approaches to the curriculum. At TAF, they believe that STEM is a lot more fun than just reading a textbook. TAF grants provide teachers with the tools they need to be more effective educators. The grants make the classroom a more exciting place for both teachers and students.