The Ripken Foundation partnered with McWane Ductile, Tyler Union, and M&H Valve Company to install a brand new STEM Center in Anniston, AL. In October, the Foundation held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at Golden Springs Elementary School to celebrate the new STEM Center.
The Ribbon Cutting ceremony included various speakers involved in the project, including Vice President of Anniston Operations at McWane Ductile Jon Pollard and Superintendent of Anniston City Schools Dr. D. Ray Hill. "Tyler Union, M&H Valve, and McWane Inc. were excited to partner with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to provide opportunities for children," said Pollard. "STEM education is an initiative that we were absolutely committed to, and our development of these six STEM Centers provided facilities for children throughout the Anniston area to further their STEM education."
This STEM Center is a part of a broader initiative to bring STEM education to the Anniston region through a total of six STEM Centers. Through these Centers, students will have access to the latest educational STEM technology and hands-on learning experiences. "Through these STEM Centers, we aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists," said Ripken Foundation President and CEO Steve Salem. "We are proud to collaborate with our partners to create these vital educational resources.
Each Ripken STEM Center comes fully-equipped with the latest STEM education tools and technology, Ripken Foundation curricula, and furniture. Youth with have the ability to interact with innovative learning equipment like 3D printers, Sphero Bolts, and Ozobots, which teach STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Read more about this project in the Calhoun Journal's article here. To learn more about the Ripken Foundation STEM Center initiative, click here.