Anniston, AL – The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, in partnership with McWane, Inc., Tyler Union, and M&H Valve Company, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 10, 2024, to celebrate the opening of a new state-of-the-art STEM center at Golden Springs Elementary School. This event was part of a broader initiative to enhance STEM education in the Anniston region, with a total of six centers being launched.
The ceremony featured speeches from key stakeholders, including Steve Salem, President and CEO of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Jon Pollard, Vice President of Anniston Operations for McWane, Inc., and Dr. D. Ray Hill, Superintendent of Anniston City Schools. Following the official ribbon-cutting, media representatives had the opportunity to interview the CEO of the Exelon Foundation, who was also present at the event, as well as engage with students demonstrating the new tools and resources in the STEM center.
“Tyler Union, M&H Valve, and McWane, Inc. were excited to partner with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to provide opportunities for children,” Pollard stated. “STEM education is an initiative that we were absolutely committed to, and our development of these six STEM centers provided facilities for children throughout the Anniston area to further their STEM education.”
The new STEM center aimed to provide students with access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning experiences. It was designed to foster skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—critical fields for the future workforce.
Over the years, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has opened over 600 STEM centers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities for underserved communities. The initiative sought to engage children in age-appropriate STEM learning in a structured environment with trained educators and mentors.
“Through these STEM Centers, we aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists,” said Steve Salem. “We were proud to collaborate with our partners to create these vital educational resources.”
The partnership between the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and local organizations like McWane, Inc. underscored a commitment to community investment and youth development. This ceremony not only marked the opening of a facility but also highlighted the collective effort to equip students with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly technological world.
Video and Pictures by Shasta Jones
