By Grace Allen

Tri-town residents, officials, administrators, and local educators have a chance to nominate King Philip High School to win a space or classroom makeover through a new contest launched last month. 

The “Sustaining Futures Raising Communities” program created by Saint-Gobain North America will provide materials to transform or renovate educational spaces, or material donations to support students or enrich programs. 

A total of $250,000 will be split between winning high schools in Massachusetts (Worcester, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties), Georgia, and Pennsylvania after a three-week public voting period on social media this fall. Nominations will be accepted until July 31. 

King Philip High School was renovated little more than a decade ago, but qualifying projects don’t have to be for structural improvements or repairs, say contest organizers. Anything that would enhance the learning experience for students is on the table, including 3D printers, electronics, books, science equipment, smart boards, and school supply vending machines, for example.

The company also welcomes more creative ideas that might benefit students, citing a greenhouse, nap room, or acoustical wall panels or ceiling tiles for the music room as possible projects. As an unfortunate sign of the times, security improvements, such as replacing glass on classroom doors with bullet or fire-resistant glass, are also an option for funding.

Saint-Gobain North America manufacturers and distributes innovative and sustainable materials for construction and industrial markets with a goal of building safer and stronger communities. The new contest reflects the company’s commitment to STEM education and community, according to a press release.

“Our 2022 Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities program will help the educators and students of those communities create something of their own—better learning environments where they can collectively thrive and grow,” said Magda Dexter, Senior VP of Human Resources and Communications at Saint-Gobain North America, in a statement. “We are very excited to support schools across Norfolk County and the state of Massachusetts where more than 1,500 Saint-Gobain North America employees work, live, and raise their families.” 

To nominate King Philip High School, and for complete contest rules and regulations, visit www.SustainingFuturesRaisingCommunities.com.