ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) -Six months after losing a $400,000 grant, a non-profit aimed at introducing students to the world of STEM continues to flourish. But they say donations could help them out tremendously.

Tiffany Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Balancing the Equations 21st Century Learning, says the last six months have been doable, but could’ve been better.

The hundreds of thousands of dollars that would’ve benefited children across Dougherty County were sliced by the federal government to cut back on spending.

Smith says she took that as perseverance to keep pushing and not give up. Especially after moving from a big city like Atlanta to an underserved community like Albany.

“They have much more exposure for their kids, much more experiences. I think with us being a much smaller town, a smaller district, we don’t have those same things,” Smith said. “So why not bring this? I can contribute to what they’re doing in the school system.”

While monetary donations are greatly appreciated, Smith says anything arts and crafts or science related could help the students elevate when participating in certain projects. Items that could be donated include, but are not limited to:

• Robotics, Lego kits (big or small)
• Batteries
• Hand sanitizer
• Lysol
• Popsicle sticks
• 12% hydrogen peroxide
• Paint
• Glue
• Display boards
• Construction paper
• Vinegar
• Tissue, Paper Towels

“Our kids need to be able to compete globally, but the only way we’re going to be able to do that, with kids that look like me and some others, is to balance that playing field,” Smith said.

The first Stem Saturday of the year will be held on Feb. 28.

Donations can be dropped off at Balancing The Equation 21st Century Learning Institute, located at 202 West Broad Ave. You can also reach out to Smith at [email protected] or at (678)444-6327.

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