STA named “STEM Outreach Partner of the Year” by UMKC

October 6, 2022

Today, St. Teresa’s Academy accepted the Vanguard Award from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Science & Engineering (SSE) for “STEM Outreach Partner of the Year.” This award is presented to an organization that demonstrates exemplary support for K-12 STEM initiatives through mentoring or volunteering, participating in or hosting events, program partnerships, and direct support of fundraising priorities.

“STA is proud to accept this award that recognizes our commitment to STEM education and service to our neighbors,” said Mandi Sonnenberg, M.Ed., Director of STEAM Projects and Education. “We are excited to offer outstanding programming and experiential learning opportunities for our students and with our community partners.”

Siabhan May-Washington, Ed.D. President of St. Teresa’s Academy, emphasized the importance of women in STEM careers. “We know women are underrepresented in STEM/STEAM fields. A big part of our curriculum at STA is focused on ensuring our students have access to a premier STEM/STEAM education and will be part of that shifting dynamic.”

The SSE established the Vanguard Awards to recognize exceptional alumni and friends of the school. The awards acknowledge professional accomplishments, service to the community and university, and commitment to STEM education in the Kansas City region. STA was one of five individuals and organizations from the community to be recognized with a Vanguard Award.

Past awardees of the Vanguard STEM Outreach Partner include the Kauffman Foundation; PREP-KC and Google Fiber.

(l to r) UMKC’s Dean Kevin Truman, Ph.D., F.ASCE, presents the Vanguard Award for STEM Outreach Partner of the year to STA’s Mandi Sonnenberg, Ed.D., Director of STEAM Projects and Education; Siabhan May-Washington, Ed.D., President; and Kelly Finn, M.Ed., Director of Experiential Learning