Donation Brings Hands-On STEM Learning Resources to 40 Communities Across America
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian received a donation of $2.3 million from the Caterpillar Foundation to produce science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming and resources for 40 communities in 21 states over the next three years. With this gift, the Smithsonian Science Education Center will provide educators with professional development and hands-on teaching resources, create an AI-focused learning guide and deliver virtual training for teachers across the country.
The donation enables the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) to expand the newly launched Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program, a first-of-its-kind Smithsonian program designed to support middle schools and high schools that are taking a systemic approach to integrating STEAM education into their teaching and learning. The program aims to prepare students nationwide for emerging, high-demand careers.
“We thank the Caterpillar Foundation for this gift, which will help us provide tens of thousands of students around the country with the resources they need to engage more deeply in an engaging and high-quality education,” said Monique M. Chism, Ph.D., the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education. “The work that SSEC will do with teachers, through this gift, will help increase capacity and support the development of the next generation of leaders.”
Twenty-four schools will be sponsored to participate in the Smithsonian’s STEAM Schools of Distinction. For these schools, the Smithsonian will provide immersive professional learning, ongoing virtual support and access to Smithsonian museums and research centers.
“A solid science education sets students up for a life of success,” said Carol O’Donnell, Ph.D., director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “Students who receive support in science education tend to perform better across all subjects. The Caterpillar Foundation’s gift ensures students across the country will be ready to address the challenges that lie ahead in science, technology, engineering, and beyond.”
The Smithsonian’s learning guide will include lessons and hands-on activities to help students discover uses of AI in their communities; understand and investigate AI tools used in the STEM workforce; and practice using AI to solve local needs. Finally, the Smithsonian will host virtual training sessions for about 40 communities around the country to provide teachers with the most relevant Smithsonian STEM resources for their classrooms.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a moment to support the people and possibilities that will shape our nation’s future,” said Asha Varghese, president of the Caterpillar Foundation. “The Foundation is committed to enabling pathways for the next generation through expanded access to STEM education, while inspiring individuals to share their time, talent and passion in communities around the world. Together, these efforts help build a more innovative and resilient nation for the generations to come.”
More information about the Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program is on the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s website.
About the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future
This gift is part of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, which will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums, education and research centers and the National Zoo in support of a single, bold vision: to build a better future for all. Learn more about Our Shared Future.
About the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education
The Smithsonian Institution’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education (OUSE) advances the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge through educational leadership, research and collaboration. OUSE works across the Smithsonian’s museums, research and education centers to develop and share high-quality educational resources, professional learning opportunities and partnerships that support teaching and learning nationwide. Through its work, OUSE helps connect learners of all ages to the Smithsonian’s collections, scholarship, and expertise.
About the Smithsonian Science Education Center
The Smithsonian Science Education Center, a unit within the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education, is transforming K–12 education through science in collaboration with communities across the globe. The Smithsonian Science Education Center is nationally and internationally recognized for the quality of its programs and its impact on K–12 science education. Learn more about the center on its website.
About Caterpillar Foundation
Since its founding in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Caterpillar Inc., has contributed to helping improve the lives of people around the world. As a company, Caterpillar works alongside its dealers and customers to build the societal infrastructure needed to make the world run. Caterpillar Foundation focuses on the complementary human; natural and basic services infrastructure needed for individuals to thrive and communities to be resilient. Learn more on the foundation’s website and LinkedIn.