JCM ECH upgrading science lab after winning grant

JCM ECH upgrading science lab after winning grant

JACKSON, Tenn. – A wish list of equipment for the science lab at Jackson Central-Merry Early College High will soon be a reality, after the school was awarded a $10,000 Toyota Motor North America grant in late 2018.  “We have students preparing to attend Jackson State [Community College] during their 11th grade year,” explained Nathan Lewis, principal of JCM ECH.  “We want our lab to mirror the type of lab they will see at JSCC, which will hopefully give them a level of familiarity and assist in their academic success.” 

JCM ECH is purchasing a hood vent to allow students to mix chemicals in a safe environment, lab equipment for specimen dissections as they learn about animals and plant biology, and lab tables that will enable students to collaborate more easily during experiments.  Without this grant, Lewis said JCM ECH would not have been able to purchase the equipment all at one time.

“This is going to prepare our 11th and 12th graders to excel at JSCC because they will have been exposed to high-level science equipment and supplies,” said Lewis.  All high school students are required to take Biology and Chemistry, which means every student at JCM ECH will use this equipment during their high school career.

Toyota Bodine, located in west Madison County, is an education partner with JCM ECH through the P.I.E. (Partner in Education) initiative.  Their plant makes the engine blocks for every Toyota manufactured in North America.  Lewis said he was encouraged by leaders at the plant to apply for this grant, as they have done in the past.  In the previous school year, JCM ECH was awarded a $20,000 Toyota grant to improve its computer lab and purchase equipment for advanced manufacturing classes.

“At Toyota, we strongly believe in supporting our youth and providing access to STEM education,” said Shawn Daly, plant manager of Toyota Bodine.  “We’re a proud Partner in Education with Jackson Central-Merry Early College High, and we’ve been excited to see the many STEM opportunities offered to their students.  Manufacturing is advancing rapidly, and our future success will be reliant on today’s students.”

JCM ECH is one of only a few programs in the state that provides students the option to graduate with not only their high school diploma but with a college Associate’s Degree.