Access granted

THURSDAY, JULY 16 — Lansing-area students are about to get a little help with their math homework.

The Grainger Foundation has donated $5,000 to the Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) to support its iMath after-school tutoring program. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of W.W. Grainger Inc., an Illinois-based industrial supply company that has operated a branch in Lansing for over 40 years.

“This grant will be used to extend the reach of our iMath program, so we can more effectively bolster student math achievement and improve student attitudes toward math,” said Kirk Riley, ITEC executive director. “Our mission is to increase the number of Michigan youth who are motivated and prepared for academic and career success in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

ITEC uses camps, after-school programs, mobile technology stations and other offerings to provide learning opportunities for Lansing-area students. Its iMath program uses a dual-layer learning approach, with students in grades four through six employing both live tutors and ITEC’s math tutoring computer programs. Students are able to build their math skills while increasing their confidence in their math abilities.

In addition to providing access to high quality science, technology, engineering and math enrichment programs, the vision of ITEC includes exposure to role models and mentors to help ensure successful high school and college completion.

“We are proud to recommend the programs offered by ITEC,” said Mandy Hayes, market manager of Grainger’s Lansing location. “We understand the need for increasing student achievement and participation in STEM fields.”