The Ripken Foundation partnered with Baytex, bpx energy, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, GHD, Flogistix, Liberty Energy, Petro-Quip, and Repsol to install two new STEM Center programs at Yorktown Junior High School and Falls City Elementary in the Eagle Forge region.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held at both schools, drawing in school staff and administration, school district leaders, and Texas state officials. Falls City Elementary was joined by the Texas state senator’s legislative aide, Patrick Bowen, who attended on behalf of the Senator, presenting the school with an official State of Texas award recognizing the significance of the STEM Center’s grand opening.
“These Centers give our students the chance to dream big and build the skills they’ll need to succeed,” said Falls City Principal Jessica Luna. “We’re grateful to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and its partners for believing in our kids and investing in their futures.”
Yorktown Jr. High’s ribbon cutting was attended by Yorktown school district Superintendent Dean Kinsey, Yorktown Mayor Bill Baker, City Councilman Michael Rippamonti, and Kim Moore from the office of State Senator Kolkhurst.
“This STEM Center is a game-changer for our students,” said Yorktown Jr. High Principal Laura Patek. “It opens doors to learning experiences that connect directly to the industries shaping our region. Our kids now have the tools to explore careers they may have never imagined, and that’s incredibly powerful.”
Each Ripken STEM Center is equipped with the latest educational products and technology and STEM lesson plans aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, providing kids a hands-on learning experience.
“These STEM Centers are more than just classrooms; they’re hubs for innovation and opportunity,” said Foundation President and CEO Steve Salem. “By bringing hands-on, interactive STEM education to students in the Eagle Forge region, we’re helping them envision futures in industries that power our world.”
Thank you to our partners who help make these STEM Centers possible. To date, we have installed 801 STEM Centers in 27 states and Washington, D.C., impacting over 339,000 youth.
Read more about this partnership in Dewitt County Today. To learn more about our national STEM Center initiative, click here.
