Liberty University donation helps Jubilee Family Development Center open new STEM Center for job training

Continuing its support of a valuable local resource for families in the Lynchburg community, Liberty University has announced a $25,000 donation to the Jubilee Family Development Center. The donation has allowed the organization to surpass its fundraising goals for a new STEM Center (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), scheduled to open on Dec. 9^.

The Jubilee Center is a nonprofit with a successful 20-plus year history in providing educational and vocational programs to primarily low-income families. The center was founded in 1999 in response to the community’s overwhelming need for a program to help at-risk youth develop academic and social skills. The center serves approximately 7,000 families per year.

“Liberty University’s donation will enable Jubilee Family Development Center to complete renovations on our new STEM Center, including purchasing several of the tools for adult STEM classes,” said Jubilee Executive Director Sterling Wilder. “Liberty University has been a faithful partner of Jubilee for many years, providing student volunteers who help mentor and educate Jubilee’s children. We are thrilled that our partnership is growing through their support of Jubilee’s STEM Center.”

Through the School of Education, work study positions, and the Christian/Community Service Office, Liberty students have volunteered at Jubilee for over a decade by tutoring (K-12), mentoring, creating after-school enrichment activities, and helping with office organization.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the STEM Center is planned for Dec. 9. Jubilee is partnering with several community organizations and local colleges — including Liberty and Central Virginia Community College (CVCC). CVCC will offer youth and adult classes through the STEM Center in a variety of subjects, including mechatronics/machine trade, culinary arts, graphics, construction/building trade, and health/dental.

“The Jubilee Family Development Center has been making a major impact on youth and families in our community, and Liberty University is proud to remain a partner,” said Liberty President Jerry Prevo. “We are excited to witness the next step they’re taking with the STEM Center and look forward to seeing what it will mean to the futures of so many young people and adults.”

“Educating people from all backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is crucial to ongoing innovation,” said Shon Muldrow, Liberty’s Executive Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. “Problem-solving in these fields requires varied thinking from an expansive pool of talent. Liberty University’s partnership with Jubilee provides local minority students with educational access, ultimately supporting future STEM advancements that will benefit us all.”