STEAM powering innovation, creativity at Mundelein schools

A foundation formed to captivate the imagination and expand the minds of children in Mundelein Elementary District 75 is hosting a fundraiser in November to build on some notable successes since it launched a year ago.

Robotics teams have doubled, a two-week summer camp included topics from rocketry to sewing, a film festival was held and students are learning about cybersecurity.

Now the district's nonprofit STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Foundation wants to build on that momentum and raise $18,000 to expand opportunities.

An impressive list of auction items and prizes, like tickets to Cubs and Sox games as well as Second City, offerings from Chicago museums, fire truck rides, cannoli-making classes and even a king suite at the Waldorf Astoria, will be offered at "A Night at the Races" on Nov. 4, at the Tavern on 60, 330 Townline Road (Route 60), Mundelein.

Admission of $30 per person includes a buffet dinner, dessert, soft drinks, betting tickets and funny money. At "A Night at the Races" guests will be able to bet on a 12 horse races that will be shown as part of a rented package.

The event is the foundation's second fundraiser, but unlike the pizza throw down, this is meant for the over 21 crowd.

"We were just looking for something we thought would be a very fun event that would be adult-oriented," said Nikki Earich, foundation director.

The event is being held to finish outfitting Innovation Station, a converted storage room at the district office created in May 2016 as a hands-on activity center. Only two fundraisers are held each year, with the remainder of financial support coming from business partnerships and grants.

"The first thing on the list are the 3-D printers and the software. We've really wanted one of those since we opened the Innovation Station," Earich said.

Improving the audio and visual capabilities for students also is a goal, said Dan Swartz, District 75's director of teaching and learning. Ten percent of funds raised will be donated to support an effort at Carl Sandburg Middle School to produce its first musical.

"We're also looking at potentially a recording studio at Sandburg," Swartz said.

According to foundation materials the idea is to provide "hands-on, minds-on" opportunities that enrich STEAM subjects, provide entrepreneurial experience and inspire students at an early age to solve the problems of the 21st century.

Visit www.innovate75.com for more information.