The University of California, Davis recently announced it received a four-year $1.6 million grant from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation to support science technology engineering and math (STEM) studies initiatives. UC Davis has proved itself to be a leader in STEM education and continues its efforts through its partnerships with local schools, as it offers teachers in these critical areas additional professional development.

"We are thrilled to have the support and partnership of the Bechtel Foundation," said Harold Levine, dean of the UC Davis School of Education. "Together, we are embarking on a critical attempt to fundamentally reshape STEM education in ways that can truly develop STEM-literate Californians who are able to compete in the 21st century."

With the funding, UC Davis' School of Education is partnering with K-12 schools from the neighboring Davis and Dixon school districts where it will implement its project, entitled "Innovations in STEM Teaching, Achievement and Research." I-STAR will promote STEM learning through educational experiences that focus on the development of reasoning skills.

Institutions seeking funds for their transformative efforts might find it beneficial to develop a web-based presence through which they can raise funds online and present information about its efforts to potential donors.