Thanks to a generous $5,000 grant from Toshiba America, San Miguel Academy’s 8th-grade students took part in an exciting, year-long STEM project: "Testing the Waters: Engineering a Water Reuse Process." Guided by environmental advocate John Cronin and the Pace University Blue CoLab, students became real-world problem solvers—testing water quality, engineering their own filtration systems, and collaborating with field experts to refine their designs. This immersive, hands-on learning experience gave students the opportunity to become both engineers and environmental stewards.
The entire 8th-grade class participated in the initiative, working with water samples from the nearby Hudson River. They explored filtration methods, applied math concepts such as measurement, ratios, and data analysis, and designed systems to clean and reuse water. Through the process, students learned not only about water pollution and science-based solutions but also how their work could contribute to cleaning up rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.
This project-based approach helped students build critical skills in technology, math, and engineering while deepening their understanding of water science, environmental challenges, and the importance of managing natural resources.
“San Miguel Academy is grateful for Toshiba's role in creating grants for financial resources to support innovation within our school,” said Fr. Mark Connell, Executive Director and Acting Principal. “This project is particularly close to our hearts as it touches upon multiple aspects of our students' lives. Giving a student in Newburgh, NY, agency over their life and community is life-changing. Marked by the highest murder rate in the state of New York, San Miguel students live in a city where they are faced with navigating the social-emotional effects of living in a marginalized community every day. By empowering our students with innovative educational experiences, we are lighting the spark of curiosity and nurturing creators of solutions for the next generation.”
Thanks to Toshiba's support, San Miguel Academy 8th graders now carry the confidence and experience to approach complex environmental issues with creativity, resilience, and purpose.
Toshiba America Foundation’s grants fund projects designed by individual classroom teachers. This “direct-to-teacher” approach brings immediate results. Teachers are able to change the way they teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based approaches to the curriculum. At TAF, we believe that STEM is a lot more fun than just reading a textbook. TAF grants provide teachers with the tools they need to be more effective educators. The grants make the classroom a more exciting place for both teachers and students.
