STEM City USA (Baltimore) Recommended for $2 Million in Earmarks as Part of FY24 Community Funding Project Requests

REISTERSTOWN, Md. - May 8, 2023 - PRLog -- Senator Van Hollen has submitted a request for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) to the Appropriations Committee, recommending $2 million in earmarks for STEM City USA (Baltimore). This funding request is part of this year's FY24 Community Funding Project Requests, which aim to support vital investments in state and local communities.

STEM City USA (Baltimore) is an innovative digital twin on a metaverse initiative designed to foster growth and development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields within the city. The project aligns with the goals of the Appropriations Committee to benefit states and communities through strategic investments in key sectors. Eligible recipients for Congressionally Directed Spending include state and local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Senator Van Hollen expressed his support for the project, stating, "I am writing to let you know that your request for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for 'STEM City Baltimore' was submitted to the Appropriations Committee. I believe that supporting your project is important for Maryland and a good use of federal taxpayer funds."

In accordance with the Appropriations Committee's deadlines and to ensure accountability and transparency, Senator Van Hollen has disclosed his requests in alphabetical order within the relevant subcommittee. The recommendation for STEM City USA (Baltimore) reflects the Senator's commitment to promoting STEM education and economic development in the state of Maryland.

If the $2 million earmark is approved, STEM City USA (Baltimore) will use the funds to expand its reach and impact, providing essential resources, programming, and support to empower the next generation of STEM professionals and innovators in the city and beyond.

Tyrone Taborn, the creator of STEM City Metaverse, explained, "The support from Congressionally Directed Spending will enable us to build on programs specifically designed to empower low-income students and adults. By providing training in emerging technology skills that do not require college degrees, we can pave the way for immediate access to middle-class incomes and open up new opportunities for upward mobility as well as lifetime learning."

In addition to the direct benefits for individuals, Taborn highlighted the broader impact of the funding on Baltimore communities. "The development of community training centers will strengthen our city's poorest neighborhoods, fostering a sense of hope and providing residents with the tools they need to succeed in today's technology-driven economy," he said.

STEM City Baltimore is set to open a new location at P.S. 103, the Justice Thurgood Marshall Center in the Upton neighborhood. This expansion is in alignment with Rev. Al Hathaway's efforts to preserve one of the city's most historic schools. The partnership between STEM City Baltimore and Rev. Al Hathaway will focus on providing state-of-the-art STEM resources, programming, and support for local students and residents, as well as creating a platform for economic growth and development within the Upton neighborhood. By joining forces, the two initiatives will work together to foster a brighter future for the community, preserving its rich history while paving the way for new opportunities in the technology-driven economy.

Furthermore, Taborn underscored the importance of STEM City Baltimore's role in using students to create the world's first AI-powered Digital Library focusing on underrepresented people in STEM. "This groundbreaking resource will provide students and educators with a wealth of material for research, mentoring, history, and teaching, ensuring that the contributions of underrepresented individuals in STEM are recognized and celebrated," Taborn added.

For more information on STEM City USA (Baltimore) and the FY24 Community Funding Project Requests, please visit https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/fy24-community-funding-project-requests  and https://stemcityusa.com