Polk County High School science teacher Leslie Rhinehart is one of 13 area recipients of a grant from Facebook’s Forest City Data Center as part of its sixth annual Community Action Grants program.

Rhinehart, who teaches chemistry and engineering at PCHS, and all other grant winners were recognized Thursday at Forest City’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Rhinehart received her award from Julia Harrill, site coordinator at Facebook.

The grant will be used to purchase equipment to help expand STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education by exposing students to the more technical side of engineering, particularly robotics.

“I am really just excited for my students,” Rhinehart said. “The robotics kits will challenge them and, I hope, inspire them. I also want to thank Facebook for its generous support of local students through this grant program.”

Organizations in Rutherford, Cleveland, Polk and McDowell Counties were eligible to apply for the grants, and more than 60 applications were submitted this year. The 13 selected nonprofits and organizations received a total of $76,839 for specific projects that use technology for community benefit, connect people online or off, improve education or promote local economic benefit.

Facebook officials said its focus this year has been primarily on education, specifically STEM and literacy programs. To date, the Forest City data center has contributed more than $725,000 through the Community Action Grants program.

“Facebook is proud to invest in and support our neighbors through our local grants program,” said Keven McCammon, Forest City site manager. “We’re excited to partner with these organizations as they continue to positively impact the lives of young people in our region.”

– article submitted by PolkStudents.com