The VWR Foundation Celebrates 50th Grant With Dedication Of A New Science Lab At Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School

RADNOR, Pa., Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The VWR Foundation and Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School dedicated a new science lab yesterday afternoon - a facility made possible by a grant from the Foundation.  This donation marks the 50^th grant by the VWR Foundation, which has donated more than $400,000 to date to organizations aligned with the Foundation mission.

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"We are honored to celebrate this accomplishment with the Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School students and staff.  This event gave us the opportunity to get to know and experience the students' excitement first hand," said James Bramwell, President of the VWR Foundation.  "It is our hope that this science lab will not only foster exploration among students during their high school years, but also inspire them to become the science leaders of tomorrow."

The science lab features student work stations that are conducive to chemistry and physical science lessons, glass front cabinets and custom designed chairs for the work stations, all provided through a $131,000 grant from the VWR Foundation.   

"It was nice to meet the people behind the VWR Foundation and witness their genuine interest in our kids," stated Sister Janice Shaw, Science Teacher at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School.  "After the dedication, they rolled up their sleeves, supported the students with their lesson, and helped us break in our triple beam scales."

Along with the science lab, VWR International, LLC currently participates in the Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Work-Study Program and employs two student work-teams, a total of eight students.   VWR International, LLC and its associates also donated brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies for each 2012-2013 Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School student.

About Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School:   
Cristo Rey Philadelphia opened its doors to its first 9th grade class on August 13, 2012. Cristo Rey Schools offer a unique curriculum that combines academics, extracurricular activities and corporate work experience to prepare students for success in college and beyond. The school is geared toward young men and women in grades 9-12 who need economic assistance to achieve their full potential, and is a private school operated by a unique partnership of businesses, universities and parents. Cristo Rey Philadelphia offers a traditional Catholic curriculum for students of all faiths and is part of the Cristo Rey Network, which operates 25 schools nationwide. Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School is endorsed by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  For more information, please visit www.cristoreyphiladelphia.org.

About the VWR Foundation:  
Established in 2009 by a group of associates from VWR International, LLC, the VWR Charitable Foundation is committed to giving back to the science community.  The VWR Foundation has donated more than $400,000 since inception, supporting organizations and programs that align with its three strategic priorities: Research for new innovation and drug discovery; Improving health and well-being to those in need; and advancing science education.  For more information about the VWR Foundation, including a grant application, please visit www.VWRfoundation.org.

SOURCE VWR Foundation