Sentry provides $1.5M to Stevens Point schools through Technology Innovation Initiative

Continuing its long-standing partnership with Stevens Point area schools, the Sentry Insurance Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to support innovative technology in classrooms through 2028. The funding will help schools implement technology that strengthens teaching, engages students, and expands learning opportunities.

"For 18 years, we've partnered with local schools to expand access to innovative technology that enhances teaching and learning," said Kalynn Pempek, Executive Director of the Sentry Insurance Foundation. "As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we're proud to support programs that help students build the knowledge, adaptability, and technical skills they'll need for the future."

Four school systems received funding to advance student learning in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM/STEAM) through innovative technologies.

• Stevens Point Area School District: The AI Forge: A Partnership for Innovation

  This project will help staff, students, and families ethically and effectively use AI to support educational, personal, and career goals. It includes AI skills development for post-secondary students and a high school AI Innovation Lab featuring industry-standard tools in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital design. Students will explore areas such as AI modeling and simulation while building AI literacy, computational thinking, and technical skills for an evolving workforce.

• Pacelli Catholic Schools: High School SMART Lab STEAM Center

  Pacelli Catholic High School will create a fully integrated STEAM learning environment featuring computers, 3D printers, and robotics kits to support advanced project-based learning. Students will gain experience in programming, engineering, design thinking, renewable energy, and problem-solving while building skills for college and careers. The permanent innovation hub will culminate in a capstone course where students design, create, market, and sell their own products.

• Stevens Point Christian Academy: STEAM Education Project Phase II

  The STEAM Education Project uses innovative technology to strengthen reading achievement, build coding skills through AI-powered robotics, support product design and manufacturing, and enhance science and biology instruction through data collection and analysis. By integrating literacy, technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental science, the project prepares students with practical skills for future careers.

• St. Paul Lutheran School: The STEM Career Pathways Innovation Project

  This project will expand science, math, and engineering education through advanced technology, project-based learning, and career exploration. Students will investigate subjects such as chemistry, geology, physics, agriculture, genetics, and space science using professional simulation software, engineering design, collaborative projects, field experiences, and mentorship to deepen STEM learning.

Since 2009, the Sentry Insurance Foundation has donated $18.2 million to boost technology in public and private school districts in Stevens Point. This effort is intended to help K–12 schools be best-in-class in their educational support of students—while ensuring students have the tools for success in K–12, post-secondary education, the workforce, and in adulthood.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Sentry Insurance Foundation for their continued partnership and generous investment in the future of our students, staff, and community. This contribution to The AI Forge project will expand innovative learning opportunities in artificial intelligence and help ensure our students are not only prepared for the future, but empowered to help shape it. Through expanded access to AI learning experiences, industry-aligned technology, and partnerships with UWSP and Mid-State Technical College, our students will develop the critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled workforce. Sentry’s long-standing commitment to education continues to make a meaningful impact across our district and community.”
- Chris Nyman, Assistant Superintendent, Stevens Point Area School District

"Thanks to the generosity of the Sentry Insurance Foundation, Pacelli Catholic Schools is taking another step forward in innovative learning. The Technology Innovation Initiative empowers our students to pursue their future career paths with confidence and high-level preparation. We are proud to work alongside Sentry to foster a tradition of educational success here in our community."
- Philip VanDenBrink, President, Pacelli Catholic Schools

“The Sentry Insurance Foundation Technology Innovation Initiative means opportunities for our school community. Students will strengthen reading and writing while exploring entrepreneurship, design, coding, AI robotics, and ecological mapping. This learning engagement will provide teachers with an avenue to spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and help each student discover their destiny while utilizing their unique gifts and interests. Our students will use these skills to build successful careers after graduation. We are incredibly thankful for this opportunity through the Sentry Insurance Foundation Technology Innovation Initiative.”
- Heidi Uitenbroek, Principal, Stevens Point Christian Academy

“Through continued partnership with the Sentry Foundation, St. Paul Lutheran School seeks to expand its tradition of innovation by connecting STEM learning to real careers. Building on the success of our previous STEM gamification project, this initiative will prepare students to become skilled problem-solvers, collaborators, and leaders in tomorrow’s workforce.”
- Sue Lilienthal, Teacher and Technology Director, St. Paul Lutheran School