Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners,recently announced it will award a $100,000 grant to the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation for a project being implemented by Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at UCO (OKA+ Schools).
The grant will fund the second year of the GREA+ Boeing STEAM Challenge for first and second grade classrooms in five Oklahoma City area elementary schools, including Britton Elementary, Esperanza Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Nichols Hills Elementary and Stanley Hupfeld Academy Charter School, all Oklahoma City Public Schools. The project aims to bring awareness of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) concepts and careers to students in their early years.
“We are so excited to partner with Boeing to bring innovative, arts-based learning to students during the school day,” said Sandra Kent, executive director of OKA+ Schools Institute at UCO.
“This collaboration allows us to help connect STEAM to literacy. We hope to inspire students to learn about what they could become when they grow up by introducing STEAM careers at this early age.”
Now in its second year, the GREA+ Boeing STEAM Challenge is comprised of units focusing on different aspects, concepts and careers of STEAM. With the COVID-19 pandemic, lessons are being facilitated virtually, and specialists meet with classes virtually.
“From engineering designs to assembling aircraft, STEAM subjects and concepts are at the heart of everything we do at Boeing,” said Nancy Anderson, vice president of aircraft modernization and modification and Oklahoma City site leader at Boeing.
“Boeing is very proud of this partnership with Oklahoma A+ Schools and how we are able to engage interest in STEAM subjects with students as young as elementary school age. They are the future innovators of the aerospace industry.”
By the end of the GREA+ Boeing STEAM Challenge, participating students should be able to identify basic STEAM concepts, use correct vocabulary to identify STEAM careers and demonstrate a general understanding of what careers are possible in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, giving them the opportunity to grow their love of each of these subjects.
For more information about Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at UCO, visit www.okaplus.org or call 405-974-3779.