New Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center Now Open in Vestal
• A ribbon-cutting event took place at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Vestal Club Friday.
• TVA has invested about $1.1 million in the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s STEM Center program
• Program expands access to STEM tools and education across TVA’s seven-state region. • Centers are equipped with curriculum and tools to inspire interest in STEM.
Children at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Vestal Club now have access to modern, state of the art curriculum and tools for education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)—thanks to a $1.1 million partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
“We’re excited to partner with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to help provide opportunities for children across our region,” said Jeannette Mills, Executive Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer of TVA. “Our commitment to STEM has always been at the heart of TVA’s mission, and this new initiative gives us the chance to make an even more tangible impact and investment on the future of the STEM workforce.”
The common goal between TVA and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is to create a brighter future for our children by capturing their interest with STEM activities, introducing them to new careers, and fostering critical thinking skills that improve test performance, self esteem, and school attendance.
“I believe that we can do a lot of good things on our own, but with dedicated partners we can achieve great things,” said Cal Ripken, Jr. at the first STEM center opening. “Our partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority is evidence of that.” The Ripken Foundation in partnership with TVA is opening 27 centers in TVA’s seven-state region and each is equipped with six Chromebooks, a Tech Tub to safely store computers, a 3D printer, educational STEM products, a custom-designed curriculum tied to Next Generation Science Standards, a mobile workbench, seven elemental clover tables, and 28 stackable chairs.
Students will also have an opportunity to participate in the annual STEM Challenge, a national competition hosted by the Ripken Foundation. The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at Energy System of the Future.
