LANCASTER, PA  (February 6, 2018) – The Junior League of Lancaster is pleased to announce that it has received second place and a $750 award in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2017 #IMPACTLANCASTER challenge. The #IMPACTLANCASTER challenge focuses on making a positive impact in Lancaster County by solving problems affecting the region.  The Junior League worked with students and organizations to design and build rain gardens while teaching the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) elements supporting the process.  The rain garden project addresses two problems currently facing our community: the shortage of students, especially young women, pursuing STEM careers, and the required reduction of storm water runoff in Lancaster City.  These align with two of the Chamber’s prosperity indicators:  education and physical environment.  Our project provides learning opportunities and activities involving STEM to students that will also reduce storm water runoff which, in turn, will create a cleaner Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The cash prize of $750 will be used to support additional STEM activities, including building more rain gardens.