HUNTSVILLE, AL (November 2, 2023) – The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) recently awarded a $25K grant to support STEM educational programming at Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG). The grant signals the start of a new partnership between PBCI and HBG with the goal of providing significant positive impact on children’s education in Alabama, and ultimately contributing to a stronger workforce and healthier quality of life for the state.

“Plant science education is at the heart of what we do,” said HBG VP of Institutional Advancement Annette Alexander. “The Garden provides a spectrum of programs to support STEM learning through teacher professional development, student learning experiences, STEM youth volunteer programming, camps and more.”

In addition to the many STEM-based programs offered by HBG, Cultivate, the Garden’s new teacher professional development program, directly supports teachers both inside and outside the classroom to engage students in authentic STEM education throughout key locations in the state. This grant will enable HBG educators to support STEM education programs beyond schools located in Madison County.

The Tribe has become a benevolent leader in the world of philanthropy. Given its long-standing tradition of sharing with those in need, the Tribe contributes to many charitable organizations in the community, helping to fund the arts as well as activities such as youth sports, senior care and emergency support services. Its generosity also benefits the broader Alabama community through job creation.

“As a Tribe, we believe that every child in our State, no matter where they live, should have access to a good education and develop the skills they will need in the future. For that reason, I am thrilled that we are able to support the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s new STEM educational program,” remarked Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair & CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. “We believe that STEM-based learning programs like Cultivate can have a positive impact on education initiatives for children across our State, including in very rural areas like our own Poarch community.”

“We are excited about the opportunities made possible through backing from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians,” Alexander said. “Their recognition of the importance of STEM education for our children’s future and their support in making those programs accessible to as many people as possible in our state will result in a truly positive impact for all.”

About Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to connect people to plants in order to support a healthier quality of life for the region. Open year-round, the Garden contains diverse ecosystems to explore within its 118 acres. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to discover the beauty and wonder of the natural environment. For more information, visit hsvbg.org.

About Poarch Band of Creek Indians:

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.