The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Matthew Spaulding after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2023 . The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Matthew Spaulding received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during his junior year at Michigan State University, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. Since receiving the scholarship, Spaulding has spent a gap year teaching in the biological sciences department at Michigan State. He has been accepted into medical school and will matriculate in the fall of 2025. “Seeing our support pay off as Matthew pursues his medical degree is exciting. I can’t wait to see what he does in the future," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The SBB Research Group Foundation is honored to have played a role in Spaulding’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping them achieve their full potential. Click here for more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship and eligibility criteria. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Jesus Reyes after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2024 . The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Jesus Reyes received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during his second year of graduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences. Since receiving the scholarship, Reyes completed his thesis proposal and defended it in November 2024. He plans to pursue a career as a park ranger or in educational outreach at a state or federal nature preserve. “It’s exciting to see SBB Research Group Foundation support someone dedicated to nature preservation and education. I wish Jesus nothing but the best in his career,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The SBB Research Group Foundation is honored to have played a role in Reyes’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping them achieve their full potential. Click here for more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship and eligibility criteria. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Nickeisha Cuthbert after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2022 . The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Nickeisha Cuthbert received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her senior year at Claflin University, where she plans to pursue a degree in biological engineering. Since receiving the scholarship, Cuthbert has been accepted as a graduate student in Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she is currently in her second year. She works in a lab that focuses on infectious diseases, particularly malaria. She plans to pursue a career in biotechnology and hopes to develop a tool to optimize diagnostic blood tests. “Nickeisha has so much potential, as her acceptance to grad school at MIT shows. We are happy to be a part of her journey," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The SBB Research Group Foundation is honored to have played a role in Cuthbert’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping them achieve their full potential. Click here for more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship and eligibility criteria. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Chicago Scholars collaborated in a volunteer initiative with the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Central to Chicago Scholars’ mission of empowering first-generation college students, the recent Onsite event at the Hyatt Hotel at McCormick Place was a powerful gathering of students, colleges, and volunteers. Among the dedicated participants were volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation, who highlighted the transformative impact of community engagement in expanding access to higher education. The event welcomed more than 500 high school students, representing Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, as they embarked on their journey toward college acceptance. Most students are first-generation college hopefuls, striving to turn dreams into reality. Volunteers and staff facilitated the day, helping students navigate interviews, providing encouragement, and ensuring they were on time and ready to impress college representatives. “The energy in the room was incredible,” said Lederer. “Meeting these students, hearing their aspirations, and witnessing them receive early acceptances from their target schools was profoundly rewarding.” The Onsite event brought together representatives from over 100 colleges and universities nationwide. In an atmosphere buzzing with opportunity, students participated in 2,993 interviews, received 548 same-day admission offers, and were awarded an astounding $36.7 million in merit scholarships. With continued support, including a recent grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, Chicago Scholars plans to purchase laptops for students to use during application workshops and college prep programs. These resources will further empower scholars as they take the next steps toward higher education and beyond. To learn more about Chicago Scholars Onsite College & Leadership Forum, please visit their website . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The Mass Audubon Society collaborated in a volunteer initiative with the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   At the heart of the Mass Audubon Society’s efforts, Charity Leader Emily Cerra led a meaningful volunteer initiative at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Cerra and her colleague Lauren Pajer organized a hands-on powerful opportunity to support sustainable agriculture and contribute directly to local food production. Volunteers gathered early to assist the farm team in vital tasks, including weeding crop rows, picking produce, and watering the fields. They accomplished in just three hours what would have taken the farmers days to complete on their own. “Gathering together, learning about the farming techniques used at Drumlin, and seeing how quickly many hands could tackle vast amounts of weeds was incredibly rewarding,” said Cerra. “The farmers were pleasantly surprised at just how much we were able to accomplish.” Drumlin Farm grows fifty different fruits and vegetables, from kohlrabi to bok choy, across 30 acres of Boyce Field. The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices, including crop rotation, cover crops, and soil enrichment without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, underscores its dedication to organic agriculture. Produce from the farm supports the local community through weekly contributions to nearby food pantries and sales through its CSA, farm stand, and local markets. Proceeds from these sales fund the sanctuary’s nature-based programs for families and children. This initiative advanced the farm’s mission and exemplified the impact of community engagement in supporting sustainable food systems. The funds contributed to Drumlin Farm will continue to support its agricultural efforts and environmental education programs, fostering a healthy and resilient ecosystem. Click here to learn more about The Mass Audubon Society and Drumlin Farm. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Ebun Adebesin a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Ebun Adebesin, a first-year graduate student, studies information systems at Northeastern University. Outside the classroom, she raises awareness about the "digital divide" and has provided computer literacy classes for children and adults from under-resourced backgrounds. "I admire Ebun's dedication to making technology accessible to all people. Computer literacy is so important, and I'm excited that we can help Ebun use her education to close the digital divide," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org . This story can be found on PRWeb

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Adaeze Ozuzu a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Adaeze Ozuzu, a fourth-year undergraduate, studies biology at Hardin-Simmons University. After moving to the United States, she began volunteering at Hendrick Medical Center. Ozuzu has a passion for urology and said that shadowing experiences affirmed her decision to pursue medicine. "Adaeze's passion and dedication to the medical profession is incredible for someone so early in their career. I'm honored that we can help her pursue the career of her dreams," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation's STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org . This story can be found on PRWeb

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the November 2024 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  Double Blessings Inc. (Chicago, IL) supports young mothers and their children from infancy to age five. The organization equips families with essential resources to foster mental health, healthy child development, strong relationships, and positive parent-child interactions. Street Samaritans (Chicago, IL) aims to disrupt the cycle of homelessness and poverty by connecting individuals to solutions and offering support along their journey. The organization focuses on dignity and compassion, provides immediate assistance, and builds pathways to stability, empowerment, and transformation. Violets Kitchen (Carol Stream, IL) is a mobile emergency resource that provides food and supplies to unsheltered veterans and others in need. It offers nutritious meals and other supplies to help improve their daily lives. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant . Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Globe Newswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s missions (organizations listed alphabetically): The Dragonfly Foundation (Highland Park, IL) provides support and resources to pediatric cancer patients and their families by partnering with local hospitals during diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. The initial grant supported pediatric cancer patients and families at eight Chicagoland hospitals. The funds covered urgent needs, including rent, lodging during treatment, winter clothing, and groceries. Project Kennedy (Glenwood, IL) leverages their platform to foster awareness and support individuals battling cancer, their loved ones, and their communities. They offer emotional support, inspiring those touched by the challenges of cancer. With the initial grant Project Kennedy awarded two scholarships, delivered ’Kare Baskets’, provided groceries to 10 families, and distributed Easter bags to children being treated for cancer at their four partner hospitals. Willow House (Bannockburn, IL) is dedicated to offering grief support and educational resources to young individuals, families, schools, and other affected communities coping with the loss of a family member. They aspire to ensure that no child, teenager, or parent undergoes the grieving process alone. Willow House used the initial grant to enhance their Expressive Arts program, providing art supplies for three monthly groups with 58 attendees, over half of whom were children under 18. The funds also supported their Spanish-speaking groups by marketing programs, translating materials, and supplying meeting resources. “We are happy to support these incredible organizations as they continue their essential work, providing critical resources and support to families facing cancer and grief in our community,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation.  The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant . Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Globe Newswire

Black Onyx Allstars received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Black Onyx Allstars , based in Chicago, IL, provides a culturally relevant and inclusive, competitive cheerleading experience that empowers young athletes while fostering community engagement. Their mission is to offer the full all-star cheerleading experience to the youth in their community, particularly focusing on areas that have long been underserved. By promoting teamwork, athleticism, and personal growth, Black Onyx creates a supportive and uplifting environment that allows its cheerleaders to thrive. The organization envisions a future where cheerleading is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. It aims to instill the physical skills necessary for success and a sense of community, discipline, and personal responsibility. The South Side of Chicago has historically needed more opportunities for youth to experience all-star cheerleading at a professional, safe, and competitive level. Black Onyx is working to create those opportunities. Black Onyx Allstars is committed to building personal connections with each athlete. The coaches go beyond athletic development, actively supporting the athletes' academic and personal lives to create a supportive environment—a second home where they feel encouraged to succeed in all areas of life. Black Onyx Allstars is more than just a cheerleading team—it's a community dedicated to uplifting the next generation of young athletes. Head Coach Imani Cobb explains, "We aim to mentor and develop well-rounded individuals, not just athletes. We prioritize our cheerleaders' athletic, academic, and mental well-being, ensuring they excel both on and off the mat. Our focus is on nurturing their growth and supporting their passions beyond cheerleading." Fundraising also plays a crucial role in making this vision possible. The coaches and community members organize local initiatives to help cover travel costs, uniforms, and competition fees. Those efforts ensure that financial barriers won't prevent anyone from participating. "We are proud to support Black Onyx Allstars in their mission to provide young athletes with an inclusive, empowering cheerleading experience that fosters personal growth and community engagement," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant . Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on PRWeb