September 2021 · SAMPE Foundation
Instilling an interest and passion for advanced material and process engineering in the next generation of leaders is a vital part of the Foundation's mission. In order to realize this vision, the SAMPE 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 SAMPE Foundation provides grants to stimulate an interest in and provide access to the tools required for future technological growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The William Dahlgren Award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers for inspiring students in math, science and engineering fields, particularly 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 of $500 from the Foundation.
This spring the SAMPE Foundation approved eight Dahlgren Awards to teachers across the country:
View all Dahlgren Award recipients →
As a part of the SAMPE Foundation's outreach efforts, the board accepted grant proposals for programs and projects that positively impact K-12 STEM-related learning around the world. This spring, the Foundation presented five grants for STEM programs totaling $27,650:
Most of the schools awarded funding are Title 1 schools. The Title 1 program provides supplemental funds to school districts to assist schools with large concentrations of low-income students to help meet their educational goals.
Apply for the Special Awards Program →
William Dahlgren has been a key supporter of STEM education and a major contributor to the SAMPE Foundation for many years. He and his family have funded the William Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence in STEM award since 2012.
The William Dahlgren story began in 1973 when Airtech International Incorporated was formed in San Bernardino, California. The main goal of the business was to distribute vacuum bagging and composite tooling materials to make fiberglass and graphite parts for the aerospace industry. With only four employees and a rented 5,000 sq ft building, Mr. Dahlgren created a company that offered a "one stop shop" for everything needed to produce aircraft bonded and composite parts.
Today, Airtech has over 800 employees worldwide and is the largest privately owned manufacturer of vacuum bagging and composite tooling materials in the world. Bill Dahlgren's knowledge, direction, and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all in the composite industry worldwide.
Since 2012, the SAMPE Foundation has awarded a total of 78 Dahlgren Awards — made possible by the generous support of Bill Dahlgren and Airtech Corporation.
You can help STEM programs by donating to the SAMPE Foundation. The SAMPE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Your donation directly funds teacher awards and classroom grants for K-12 students around the world.
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