Slam dunk for Science: Phoenix Suns gift $250,000 to NAU to promote STEM education in Phoenix schools

Phoenix Suns Charities

The Phoenix Suns Charities invested $250,000 in Northern Arizona University’s nationally recognized Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL). The grant will launch STEM Focused Schools for the Future in the City of Phoenix.

Since 2014, NAU has been the official education partner of the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns Charities, founded in 1988, improves the quality of life and creates a philanthropic culture that benefits the needs of children and families in the Arizona community. They distribute more than $1 million to hundreds of local charities annually.

The gift to NAU will fund CSTL, a STEM teaching research evaluation and materials program that supports and develops science and mathematics teachers. CSTL strives to increase the number of practicing teachers that can prepare students for a STEM-focused workplace.

The money will support nine schools and impact more than 5,000 students and 400 teachers in the Phoenix community. President Rita Cheng accepted the gift from Phoenix Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley, in a court check presentation on Nov. 12 when the Suns played the L.A. Lakers.