Archived News

Azark Foundation is working with key partners to initiate and develop a learning platform, referred to as a "connector," for rural students. The learning platform is a key component of a federal mid-phase EIR project known as STEM.LD. The STEM.LD project has partnered with FableVision Studios in Boston for technical assistance, based on FableVision's rich history of collaboration to develop award-winning multi-media projects. Azark is poised to assist this collaborative effort by adding a perspective that serves to expand the project's current (1) focus (research in STEM areas), (2) scope (schools in eastern Tennessee) and (3) existing partnerships. The expanded perspective will serve to serve more students in the short run and establish a robust base (of participants, partners and sponsors) more likely to be sustained.

About STEM.LD... 

In 2020, The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Niswonger Foundation, located in Greeneville, TN, had been awarded funding in its 2020 Education Innovation and Research (EIR) mid-phase competition for the STEM.LD proposal. The "LD" in STEM.LD stands for "learning design." The project consists of three sets of STEM specific activities. First, teacher professional development (and other support) works on the school/classroom level in the learning design. Second, Out-of-School Time (OST) activities provide another level of learning activities for interested students. The third level of the learning design is the design and delivery of advanced STEM courses, allowing high school students to get an early start on a career pathway.

Partners in the STEM.LD project...

Regional and national partners (see their logos, attached) have been instrumental in each of the three of the "learning-design" levels. The project's next major step is to design and implement a learning platform to: (1) sustain and (2) scale the OST activities and higher-level career-pathway coursework. The intent of the platform, or "connector," is to provide a "rural-friendly" place where students can extend their learning opportunities... well beyond the limited opportunities in most rural schools.

About FableVision... 

With a history of more than 25 years creating media, FableVision is an ideal partner for the development of the learning platform. Since their team is skilled in facilitating the development process (from concept to launch), an effective platform is anticipated, in a timely manner. The platform can be utilized and fine-tuned during the remaining years of the project and beyond.

 Azark's role... 

Azark Foundation staff (1) understand the STEM.LD project, the role of OST and career-pathway coursework, and the concept of a learning platform to supplement learning opportunities; (2) will provide "another set of eyes" in the design and pilot phases of the platform; (3) will help to scale and sustain the platform. Azark is an independent support, with the ability to expand beyond the project's existing base of service area and partners. Azark is poised to help tackle the challenge of securing a post-project sponsor.

On November 18, 2022 the founding board of directors of the Azark Foundation approved the Articles of Incorporation. The Articles were submitted to and approved by the State of Tennessee. The initial founders, Richard and Rosemary Kitzmiller, were joined by their son Matthew as the initial members of the board of directors. This incorporation was followed by additional state- and federal-level approvals and the selection of 4 additional board members.