Steubing Ranch Elementary School is inspiring the next generation of life-long learners with its innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) initiative. Nearly one-thousand students are benefiting from a serious upgrade to the campus STEAM lab thanks to a generous donation from Vulcan Materials Company.
“We had a vision to create a STEAM lab so that way every child has the opportunity to experience it,” said Marie Arce, Steubing Ranch Librarian. “Vulcan came out and looked at what we had already. After some discussions, they decided that they wanted to be a sponsor and donate so we could get all of the materials that we needed.”
The Vulcan team decided to donate $26,600 over five years to help fund and update the STEAM lab. This community partnership started after a PTA member Jasmine Gonzales approached the company and asked them if they would be willing to get involved with the campus. Vulcan staff and executives jumped at the idea and generously volunteered to help make the hands-on makerspace a reality.
A field trip to Vulcan is already in the works so students can witness a tangible, real-life STEAM lesson.
“You can make a quick connection to what real life is with STEAM,” said Mario Guillen, Steubing Ranch Principal. “It’s our goal to bring the kids over to the pit at Vulcan so they can see this stuff in action.”
Now, every student who walks the halls of Steubing Ranch will have the opportunity to explore their passion for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through this state-of-the-art lab.
