March 2021 · SAMPE Foundation
Thank you for being part of the SAMPE community. In this first issue of the SAMPE Foundation Quarterly Newsletter you will find updates on our mission, programs, board of directors, and how to get involved.
In 2006, the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) established its philanthropic arm, the SAMPE Foundation. The foundation's mission is to instill an interest and passion for advanced material and process engineering in the next generation of leaders. In order to realize this vision, the foundation promotes education and innovation in the fields of materials and processes on a global basis, particularly at the kindergarten through the 12th-grade level.
The foundation provides grants to stimulate an interest in and provide access to the resources required for future technological growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The William Dahlgren Award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers inspiring students in math, science and engineering fields, particularly in classes directed towards learning the field of plastics and general entrepreneurship activities. The teacher is nominated by an administrator who has knowledge of the teacher's direct work product in the classroom in STEM. The teacher receives a Certificate of Accomplish and a monetary Honorarium from the Foundation.
In 2017 the SAMPE Foundation presented 12 awards, and 30 awards in 2018. In 2019 the foundation presented 18 awards and in 2020 five awards were given.
This photo was taken at St Mary's School in Aliso Viejo, CA. Left to Right — Principal Walt Lineweaver, teachers Nancy Qushair and Leila Volkmann receiving the Dahlgren Awards and SAMPE Foundation Administrator, Joe Ingalls.
Learn more about the Dahlgren Award →
The Foundation is open to suggestions for programs and projects that will positively impact K-12 STEM education around the world. Novel ideas are welcomed from any SAMPE Member or chapter. To date the Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in Special Project Grants. These grants are reviewed by the Board using a rubric to evaluate the clear benefit of the new STEM program.
In 2019 and 2020 the Foundation provided grants for schools in New York City, Los Angeles and Glendale, AZ. The Foundation has supported programs globally with funding in Canada, Netherlands and Israel, presenting $33,000 USD for new STEM programs across the globe.
Apply for the Special Awards Program →
Mr. Lynch was President/CEO of Strategic Marketing Innovations (SMI) in Washington, DC. He formed SMI in 1993 following a twenty-five-year career in advanced materials development. The focus of the firm is the assistance of high-performance materials companies and universities in capturing research and development funding from the federal government. SMI has supported over 500 clients including 9 major universities.
Mr. Lynch joined SAMPE in 1975. He has held the position of chapter director for two chapters, served as general chair of an ISSE and an ISTC, and was a member of the Executive Cabinet. He was president of SAMPE North America in 2015. At present he is the chair of the SAMPE Foundation Board.
Mr. Lynch holds a Bachelor's Degree in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master's Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
You can help STEM Programs by donating to the SAMPE Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Your gift funds teacher awards, classroom grants, and STEM programs around the world.
Donate to the SAMPE Foundation →