Sapphire Rise Awarded Anne Arundel County CRRC Grant to Expand Trauma-Informed STEM and Workforce Programs
- Alice Jenson
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crownsville, MD — November 11, 2025 — Sapphire Rise Inc., a nonprofit organization empowering youth and underrepresented communities through hands-on STEM education and workforce development, is proud to announce its selection as a Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission (CRRC) Grant recipient by Anne Arundel County.
Funded through recreational cannabis tax revenue, the CRRC grant supports community-based organizations that serve low- to moderate-income households, particularly in communities historically harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. Sapphire Rise is one of 33 grantees awarded a portion of the $1.7 million in FY26 funding.
“This grant allows us to expand access to our trauma-informed STEM enrichment and workforce training programs, specifically reaching students and families in the most impacted zip codes of Anne Arundel County,” said Beth Adams, Co-Founder and CIO of Sapphire Rise. “We’re committed to delivering educational equity, building future-ready skills, and restoring opportunity where it’s been long denied.”
Founded by two African American women in STEM, Sapphire Rise has served more than 2,600 K–12 students across Anne Arundel County through STEM labs, summer camps, career days, and digital literacy training. With a focus on equity, sustainability, and community impact, the organization partners with local schools, workforce boards, and community centers to make STEM education accessible and meaningful.
“This is what it looks like when equity moves from promise to practice,” said Dr. Shawn Ashworth, Chair of the CRRC.
Sapphire Rise’s programs align with several of the CRRC’s core priorities:
Education and youth enrichment
Mental health supports through trauma-informed teaching
Workforce development and employment training for underserved families
The funding will directly support expanded STEM curriculum, trauma-informed instruction for students impacted by systemic inequality, and workforce readiness workshops for youth and adults preparing for careers in tech and trades.
About Sapphire Rise
Sapphire Rise is a Maryland-based nonprofit dedicated to delivering transformative STEM learning experiences for underserved and underrepresented communities. Through labs, camps, workforce training, and outreach programs, Sapphire Rise empowers youth and families to discover their potential, develop future-ready skills, and rise beyond systemic barriers.
Contact:
Media Team - Sapphire Rise
📍 Based in Anne Arundel County, MD
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