The mobile STEM labs will bring enhanced STEM education to all 13 OKCPS middle schools and two fifth-grade centers. The two organizations have installed more than 100 STEM centers in Oklahoma and surrounding states.
Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation partnered to create mobile STEM labs, which will help bring STEM education to all 13 OKCPS middle schools and two fifth-grade centers.
“Today is a monumental day in the history of OKCPS,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel. “Now, students graduating from elementary school will be able to extend their STEM education and have access to new tools designed for their growing minds. The district is truly grateful for the continued support and generosity from Devon and the Ripken Foundation.”
In 2019, the companies teamed up to help provide STEM centers to every OKCPS elementary school.
Community leaders celebrated the unveilings with a reception and demonstration of the high-tech equipment at Wheeler Middle School.
“We know getting kids involved in STEM education early and often positively impacts their professional success and our future workforce needs,” said OKCPS President Mary Mélon-Tully. “The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Devon and the Ripken Foundation for giving middle school students exposure to these hands-on, exploratory learning environments.”
Rick Muncrief, president and CEO of Devon, said the company is committed to strengthening educational opportunities for children of all ages.
“Devon wants to inspire future STEM leaders to build confidence and expand their creativity throughout their academic careers,” Muncrief said. “By continuing to invest in these children as they move from elementary school to middle school, we’re helping them further develop their critical thinking skills and instill a lifelong love of scientific learning.”
Devon and the Ripken Foundation have installed more than 100 STEM centers in Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. The Ripken Foundation provides training, a curriculum guidebook and activity kits to enhance the use of technology tools in the centers. The organization has opened more than 248 STEM centers nationwide, helping strengthen America’s most underserved communities by supporting and advocating for children.
“These mobile STEM labs will give middle school students the equipment they need to explore different scientific areas and achieve their full potential,” said Steve Salem, president and CEO of Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Devon and provide students with technological learning tools beyond elementary school.”
