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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jeff Anderson, Deputy Chief Information Officer
Martin Shanahan, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: March 28, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution requesting approval to utilize funds for APS Training Academy, 105 E Galena Blvd Fourth Floor, Aurora, IL 60505 and TinkRworks LLC, 501 W Lake St Suite 106, Elmhurst, IL 60126 as part of the Aurora STEAM Academy (ASA) public-private partnership (P3) to deliver Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) services to 2,000 of Aurora's underserved youth in the amount not to exceed $500,000.00.
PURPOSE:
APS Training Academy is a non-for-profit training provider that empowers vulnerable communities in Aurora by providing free and low-cost education and vocational opportunities in STEAM; and promotes economic equality so our community will not simply survive but THRIVE through the cultivation of a diverse tech-based workforce.
TinkRworks is a provider of exceptional K-8 STEAM project kits designed to allow students to foster a love of creating, enhance problem-solving skills, reinforce, and expand on concepts & ideas taught in schools, inspire curiosity, and encourage self-expression.
The intent is to continue upon the current public-private partnership between APS Training Academy, TinkRworks and City of Aurora that has successfully delivered a top-tier STEAM curriculum to the disenfranchised youth of the City.
This unique P3 will provide a platform for our future leaders to develop and hone core skillsets while also bringing to life foundational elements of the City's mission of being committed to the highest standards of academic excellence, providing a high-quality education while developing the knowledge, values, and attitudes essential for the unique challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
BACKGROUND:
Following a highly successful 2021 STEAM program, City of Aurora, TinkRworks, and APS Training Academy (APS) joined forces again in 2022 to provide hand...
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