News Details

Sunnyvale, CA (April 14, 2026) - In a region globally recognized as the forefront of innovation, access to STEM education should be a given, not a gap. Sunnyvale School District has secured a $100,000 grant from Applied Materials to establish a new, hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) STEM elective at Columbia Middle School (CMS), directly addressing a critical need and opening doors for hundreds of students.

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley where industries run on technology, engineering, and scientific advancement, Sunnyvale School District recognizes the urgent need for robust STEM learning opportunities at the middle school level. Through the Building Futures for Columbia Middle School Students initiative, Sunnyvale School District will develop and launch a state-of-the-art STEM-focused class. It will offer meaningful exposure to college and career pathways and fields such as computer science, engineering and design, alternative energy, and robotics.

An additional $38,000 grant from Northrop Grumman will further support the development and implementation of the course.

“In a place like Silicon Valley, providing equitable access to STEM education is essential,” shared Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite, PhD. “Students need hands-on opportunities to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in when they reach the rapidly evolving workforce. I am appreciative that Applied Materials is investing in students at Columbia Middle School and closing the opportunity gap.”

Columbia Middle School serves a diverse population of 697 students, with 358 students directly benefiting from this program. The school includes 41% socioeconomically disadvantaged students, 28% English Learners, and 16% students with disabilities. This initiative takes a critical step toward building a more inclusive future workforce.

Research consistently shows that students who participate in CTE pathways take more advanced math and science courses, graduate at higher rates, and pursue higher education.

“We are incredibly grateful to Applied Materials for their generous $100,000 investment in our students' futures,” shared Dr. Ballantyne, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Sunnyvale School District. “By bringing this robust STEM elective to Columbia Middle School, we aren't just adding a class; we are leveling the playing field and opening a world of high-demand career pathways. I am thrilled that our students will engage with the hands-on technology that will prepare them to be the next generation
of leaders in Silicon Valley.”

CMS currently offers strong Visual and Performing Arts electives, and this grant enables the school district to provide students with a more balanced, future-ready education.

Curriculum materials for the new course will come from Paxton/Patterson Labs, a nationally recognized program designed to immerse students in hands-on, problem-based learning. By working in small, collaborative teams, students will engage in authentic career exploration modules that help them discover their interests and aptitudes while strengthening critical thinking and technical skills.

The district will evaluate program success through multiple measures, including enrollment in the new elective, increased participation in advanced math and science courses, student performance data, college acceptance rates, and student and family feedback.

By investing in early STEM exposure, Sunnyvale School District is preparing students for academic success while strengthening the broader community. When students succeed, Silicon Valley’s future remains innovative and inclusive.

About the Sunnyvale School District (SSD): Sunnyvale School District is committed to ensuring that every student is recognized by name, strength, and need, ready to excel in high school and beyond, and to lead a life of joy and purpose. SSD operates a comprehensive preschool program, eight elementary schools and two middle schools in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley. The 13.75-square-mile district serves nearly 5,700 students and has more than 800 employees. Learn more at: www.sesd.org

About Applied Materials: Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor and advanced display in the world. The technology we create is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation chips. At Applied, we push the boundaries of science and engineering to deliver material innovation that changes the world. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.