Outcomes on first two rounds of Grant Awards show positive community impact
Vermont Business Magazine Applications for the BTV Ignite STEM and Technical Skill Grant Fund are open now and remain open through July 23, 2021.
The STEM & Technical Skill Fund, provided by Burlington Telecom, is a competitive process open to Burlington-based non-profit or entrepreneurial support organizations well-positioned to support teaching technical skills, STEM education, and workforce development for the Burlington youth and workforce, principally those for whom this would create new economic opportunities.
Applicants may apply for grants ranging in value from $5,000 to $50,000 per year of grant award. In response to feedback from prior applicants and grantees, BTV Ignite will for the first time consider applications requesting multiple year allocations as a pilot program seeking to deepen the applicant pool interest.
The application and additional information can be found here.
In a statement, Mayor Miro Weinberger, said "In the years since saving Burlington Telecom, the first two rounds of the STEM and Technical Skill Grant Fund have made good on the intended goal of supporting communities who have historically not benefited from conventional economic development dollars. I look forward to this next round of applications and future impacts of this program."
Outcomes from the first two rounds of Grant awards have shown positive community impact. Past grantees, which include LaunchVT, ReSOURCE, Generator, and Mercy Connection, have been granted $100,000 in total resulting in direct and indirect support to over 300 individuals. Awards have led to Burlington’s youth and workforce gaining design and manufacturing skills, entrepreneurship training, mentorships and internships, as well as professional construction and weatherization certificates. The 2019 and 2020 Outcomes Summary Report can be found here.
Mike Loucy, General Manager of Burlington Telecom, remarked "Burlington Telecom is thrilled at the positive outcomes the first two rounds of the STEM and Technical Skill Grant have generated in our community, especially with the unique challenges the pandemic has brought. It is special to the BT family to see the impact of these funds so far, and we are excited to see the applications for this third year."
Adam Roof, BTV Ignite Project Manager commented on the 2021 application process, saying, “BTV Ignite and our funding partners are committed to an inclusive and transparent application and competitive review process. A diverse applicant pool is our goal and we will be promoting this opportunity far and wide to organizations well-suited to create uniquely valuable economic opportunities to the Burlingotn community. I encourage potential applicants to get in touch to discuss how their programming may best fit the mission of the Grant.”
About BTV Ignite
BTV Ignite is focused on bringing together the energy, resources, and values of the Burlington, Vermont community to create opportunities to start and grow new businesses, create new jobs and promote the skills needed to fill them. The nonprofit provides STEM experiences for students, helps launch ‘smart’ city initiatives, and ensures these opportunities are inclusive and accessible for everyone. BTV Ignite was founded in 2014 and is sponsored by the leading government, business, and academic stakeholders of Burlington, including The City of Burlington, People’s United Bank, The University of Vermont, UVM Medical Center, Hula, Burlington Telecom, The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Burlington Electric Department. It’s founding mission is to help take advantage of Burlington's city-wide fiber optic gigabit network infrastructure and unlock the potential of this world-class digital resource to drive sustainable economic and community development. Learn more at https://www.btvignite.com/.
About Burlington Telecom
Burlington Telecom is Burlington, Vermont's only 100 percent fiber-optic network, focused on providing transparent pricing and the best customer service. Burlington Telecom is a core institutional partner for BTV Ignite, supporting the creation of a sustainable tech eco-system aimed at generating new, well-paying jobs in Burlington and providing professional careers for young Vermonters.