Advanced Science and Technology (ASTEC) Charter School

PROJECT PURPOSE

ASTEC, founded in 2000, is a S.T.E.A.M. charter school focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. While charter schools are public schools subject to the same accountability as traditional schools, in Oklahoma they do not receive facilities funding or ad valorem and they cannot bond. Beginning with just 100 students, we have grown to enrollment of 1300 students. We have occupied a leased space in Shepherd Mall since inception but have outgrown the space where we are paying more than $1.5 million a year for base rent. We are beginning the construction a new facility which will better meet the needs of our students, cost less and allow for the expansion of our award-winning programs. The majority of the costs are being financed through a low interest loan, private donations and other grants. We are seeking ARPA funds to pay for the gymnasium, which is an integral part of our HealthCorps program, whose mission is saving lives by addressing health inequities in at-risk communities. ASTEC rents a church gymnasium and buses students there. This is a tenuous situation however, because the church no longer has employees and the gym has fallen into disrepair, with no working plumbing or restrooms.

EVIDENCE

NPR reports that health experts agree children need at least 60 minutes daily of aerobic exercise. However, only 1/3 are receiving that. By age of 12, the majority of kids in the US already are in poor cardiorespiratory.. This decline began in the early 1970's and continues. Lack of activity leads to increased body weight and heart disease. Research reported by betterhealth.vic.gov found that ". . .people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing, and lower rates of mental illness . . .It also seems to help in treating [several] conditions, like depression and anxiety."

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Currently, we have enrollment of 1300 student scholars. Our diverse student population consists of 97% of kids coming from homes that fall below the poverty line, representing a community that has been historically underserved and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Children living in poverty face greater risks to their physical health as a result of coronavirus The pandemic had a devastating effect on our pupils from many fronts. Studies have shown that low-income communities were most affected by the pandemic due to longstanding segregation by income and race; were more likely to be exposed to COVID and suffered greater mortality rates due to lack of affordable medical care, preexisting conditions like diabetes and food insecurity than those groups with greater economic stability. Construction of our new gymnasium will allow us to serve up to 20% more students, in a healthier environment allowing for social distancing, better air circulation / filtration system, access to outdoor facilities and physical education, thereby creating a safer in-person learning experience as well

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be based on records kept of the number of students at ASTEC and in the community who use the gymnasium. Tracking of students with issue by counselors will be performed. Additionally, anecdotal evidence from teachers, students and parent will be used to assess the incidences of decline or rise of mental health issues. Student surveys addressing anxiety and depression will be given before the gym and regular exercise and at the end of one year of implementation.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding