Give to STEM on Giving Tuesday
This year, on November 28, consider donating to the AFCEA Educational Foundation, which provides opportunities and assistance to students and teachers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Entering its sixth year, Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States. Last year, Giving Tuesday broke a record with $168 million in charitable donations worldwide. The day dedicated to philanthropy is quickly emerging as a national ritual after the well-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This year, on November 28, consider donating to the AFCEA Educational Foundation, which provides opportunities and assistance to students and teachers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. These students and educators are focused on information technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications and electronics supporting the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities. The need for cyber talent has never been greater, and in today’s ever-changing global security arena, we must ensure that tomorrow’s work force has the necessary technical skills to be competitive and innovative.
The AFCEA Educational Foundation provides scholarships and grants and awards for excellence and merit. It also promotes opportunities for diversity in STEM fields, especially for women. Sadly, women remain grossly underrepresented in engineering and technology fields. In 2015, women represented only about one-third of those employed in high-tech occupations such as computer systems analysts or aerospace engineers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To support diversity, each year the foundation awards scholarships of $3,000 to women and underrepresented minorities who are full-time students pursuing a graduate degree in an eligible STEM field.
Investing in the future of STEM also happens to be a great way to save money. As you start your year-end tax planning, remember that donations to the AFCEA Educational Foundation are fully tax-deductible. Donations of appreciated securities such as stocks or bonds also wipe out any capital gains tax bill and net a charitable deduction for the fair market value of your donated assets.
To donate to the AFCEA Educational Foundation, visit short.afcea.org/give2stem.
