Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (Bendix) announced its support of the SAE Foundation’s A World In Motion (AWIM) STEM education program in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

The $5,000 grant will fund implementation of AWIM in five classrooms, providing teachers with the training and supplies for a four- to eight-week program of scientific discovery.

“The SAE Foundation is such a great organization, and we’re excited to help get this program into Cleveland schools,” said Maria Gutierrez, Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability. “Hopefully, in the future it evolves and grows, and we can engage our employees as volunteer participants and bring it to more schools across Northeast Ohio.”

The AWIM program brings STEM concepts to life through a range of materials for students from preschool to beyond eighth grade, with a reach of more than 6 million students.

Evaluations have revealed that 98% of teachers in the program reported that it increased students’ excitement about learning STEM topics.

“Over the past 10 years, we have developed a relationship with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and demand for AWIM in Cleveland grows each year,” said Lori Gatmaitan, SAE Foundation executive director. “This funding from Bendix will immediately go to work supporting Cleveland students and teachers and will make a measurable impact on students’ futures.”

Gutierrez emphasized Bendix’s dedication to STEM support, including during the challenging time of the pandemic. 

“The pandemic disrupted education programs, and schools worked hard to adapt,” Gutierrez said. “What wasn’t disrupted was our conviction at Bendix to support these efforts. Now that programs are beginning to return, we are there, as we always have been. We have not wavered in our commitment.”