01 Jun 2013 EAST Initiative receives $25,000
BHP Billiton Petroleum has donated $25,000 to five EAST programs in north central Arkansas counties to support local student-driven projects.
EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology Inc.) is an educational model focusing on student-driven service projects accomplished by using teamwork and cutting-edge technology.
Students identify problems in their local communities and then use these tools to develop solutions, collaborating with civic and other groups in the process. Each year, Arkansas EAST students have completed 1.5 million service hours with an economic impact of more than $15 million.
“EAST students are challenged to see a problem and find a solution while collaborating with business, industry and community leaders,” said Matt Dozier, the EAST Initiative’s president and CEO. “Our partnership with BHP in completing these projects highlights their commitment to make a difference in the lives of schools, students and communities.”
The participating schools include:
- Clinton High School
- Greenbrier High School
- Rose Bud High School
- Searcy High School
- Wonderview High School
“We are excited to support the EAST model which encourages a collaborative, multi-disciplined approach to solving real world problems,” said Danny Games, external affairs manager at BHP Billiton. “These students are making a difference in their communities today while preparing for success in the future.”
For more information about the EAST Initiative, visit eastinitiative.org. The national non-profit EAST Initiative works with schools and institutions across the country to establish and implement local EAST programs, equipping classrooms, training facilitators and providing technical training for students.
The EAST method has been named a model by the United States Departments of Education and Labor and has proven, research-based results.
