Introducing our First COEGI Lab!

Our very first COEGI Lab is in development. It is set to open its doors at Armwood High School, located in Hillsborough County School District., bringing an exciting new era of STEAM education. With a focus on enhancing the learning experience for over 1000 students, teachers, and faculty members, this advanced lab is set to revolutionize how we approach math, environmental science, biotechnology, physical science, robotics, entrepreneurship, and information technology. This incredible facility will benefit traditional and dual enrollment students thanks to its state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Not only that, but faculty members will also be able to use the lab to further their own understanding of STEAM teaching methods, helping them to better serve their students in the future.

From specialized seating designed to encourage collaboration to cutting-edge 3D printers and a space for a robot arena, this lab has everything needed to make STEAM learning a genuinely engaging and rewarding experience. With the opportunity to design and print 3D objects using Computer Aided Design programs and explore the world of robotics hands-on, students will be able to think creatively and critically like never before, plus a touch of friendly competition in the arena. At Building Excellence Foundation, we’re committed to making STEAM education fun, inspiring, and truly life-changing.

Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for updates on the lab’s tentative completion date and other exciting news.

Back-to-School Fundraising Campaign

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Giant Oil and On The Fly in our upcoming back-to-school fundraising campaign, which will take place from August 14th to September 15th! At On The Fly’s convenience stores and gas stations, we are raising funds and awareness for our foundation’s support of schools needing STEAM education. Our goal is to develop our cutting-edge COEGI Labs, which will inspire today’s youth to make groundbreaking advancements in the STEAM field. Labs will provide students with access to 3D printing, recording space, computers, tablets, coding programs, editing programs, AR, VR, Projectors, Smart TVs, and more, enabling them to express their creativity and ideas in ways that may not have been possible. These labs will have a long-lasting impact on students for years to come, as children exposed to computer science and other STEAM-related subjects are more likely to perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving, and are 17% more likely to attend college (sourced from code.org). All young people should have access to the most up-to-date information available.

To find a location near you, visit their website here. You will see signage across the site with QR codes available at the pumps and inside the convenience stores. You can also round up and add a donation on top of your purchase at the gas pump or inside the convenience store.

Stay updated with our blog and social media to see how your contribution is making an impact. Your kind donation and support will ignite young minds and pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future. Let’s work together to close the opportunity gap and create a world where creativity and knowledge thrive!

Glazer Children's Museum

BEF Awards H.E.R.O.’s At Local Elementary School

The Building Excellence Foundation (BEF) recently joined in awarding parents and students who attend one of our partnered schools in the Tampa Bay area. At BEF, we were honored to support one of our school recipients from our initiative in 2021 where we fundraised within our convenience stores to supply students’ tablets, teachers’ funds to redecorate their classrooms, and schools a donation (read more on our initiative here.) So, when we were presented with the opportunity to be a part of the school’s community in another way, we were more than happy to participate.

September is Attendance Awareness Month and being at school every day on time is important to children’s academic success. Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school year, or about two days a month, negatively affects a student’s learning. As part of Attendance Awareness Month, this school awarded the students each week of September coining them, H.E.R.O.’s: Here, Everyday, Right, On Time

With McDonald’s awarding the student’s timely manner, BEF was tasked with awarding the parents their own prize because we know it takes a village to raise a child and getting to school on time requires commitment and responsibility from the guardians. We wanted the prizes to impact students’ view on learning and how it can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family, so we presented the parents with a family pack of tickets to the Glazer Children’s Museum. The museum is a place where our foundation’s values are depicted through its interactive laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders. After a day of exploring and discovering, families can venture into Downtown Tampa’s rich history and its wide array of restaurants.