Washington Elementary School

Jefferson Elementary School recently received a generous $1,000 donation from Steven and Emily Bradican, owners of Applied Thermal Technologies. This gift will help expand hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities for students and their families.

 

The donation comes after parent volunteer Lindsay Blue reached out to local businesses to support STEM programming at Jefferson. Thanks to the Bradicans’ contribution, the school will be able to enhance its monthly STEM Family Fun Nights—special events where students and parents explore science together.

 

“The donation provided by Applied Thermal Technologies allows Jefferson students to have access to cool STEM tech-resources providing amazing STEM experiences for ALL students as well as science lessons that include 21st century skills at an early age,” said Derek Pike, WCS STEM instructional coach.

 

Derek Pike helps guide STEM initiatives across the school and supports the programs made possible through donations like this one. Activities featured at Family Fun Nights include:

 

• 3D printing demonstrations

• Making liquid nitrogen ice cream

• Learning coding through robotics

• Other hands-on projects

 

“We are incredibly grateful for Applied Thermal Technologies' generous donation in support of our STEM programs,” said Jefferson Principal Josh Wall. “Their investment helps us provide students with hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.”

 

With support from community partners like the Bradicans, Jefferson continues to spark curiosity and creativity in students while strengthening connections with families.

 

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Photo Provided (left to right): Steven and Emily Bradican, Josh Wall and Derek Pike