ASHBURN, VA (March 20, 2025)—JASON Learning will have a “Kentucky Fried wish” come true, thanks to the KFC Foundation, which has awarded a $10,000 grant to enhance the JASON Learning Early Childhood STEM curriculum by integrating new content and animations developed in collaboration with Playwatch Kids. This will make the lessons more engaging and accessible for young learners, incorporating diverse, culturally relevant content that reflects their identities.
Representation is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and boosting self-esteem, particularly in STEM fields where diversity is often underrepresented. By providing young learners with relatable role models, we aim to inspire curiosity in STEM, ensuring all children see themselves as capable of success in these fields. This approach not only enriches their learning experience but also sets a strong foundation for a more inclusive future generation of STEM leaders.
JASON Learning is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality, real-world STEM education for students of all backgrounds. Our mission is to inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration, fostering a lifelong passion for learning and problem-solving. Through engaging, hands-on curricula, JASON equips students with the critical skills needed to thrive in STEM careers while empowering educators with the tools to deliver impactful instruction. With this grant, JASON Learning can further its mission by making early childhood STEM education more inclusive and accessible to young learners nationwide.
“Thanks to the KFC Foundation, we’re bringing STEM to life in a way that kids can truly connect with. With diverse new content, we’re making sure every child can see themselves in the materials they learn with and get excited about STEM.”
—Jenna Davis, Director of Development, JASON Learning
Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a capacity-building project that will make a lasting impact on their organization and community.
“We’re thrilled to support such incredible non-profits like JASON Learning through Kentucky Fried Wishes. These grants help make dream projects a reality, strengthening organizations and creating lasting benefits for the communities they serve.”
—Emma Horn, Executive Director, KFC Foundation
Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers, and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities. The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education, financial, and hardship assistance for KFC restaurant employees, and a food donation program to fight hunger and food waste.
The KFC Foundation receives financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees donate to the KFC Foundation every time they order a case of Secret Recipe Fries.
The next grant cycle for Kentucky Fried Wishes will focus on improving health and wellbeing, with applications being accepted from March 31 – April 18, 2025. Non-profit organizations seeking funding for a project within that scope can learn more and apply for a grant at kfcfoundation.org/wishes.
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About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for PreK-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
About the KFC Foundation
For 25 years and counting, the KFC Foundation, an independent 501c3 organization, has provided over $39 million to support, empower, and serve joy to more than 17,500 individuals and over 4,500 non-profits. The KFC Foundation’s charitable programs focus on education accessibility, financial & hardship assistance, and community giving, and are made possible by Round Up donations, purchases of KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries, and other contributions. For more information, visit kfcfoundation.org.
