Sprint into STEAM Spring Break campers study the effects of wind during their first camp day at the Beaumont Children’s Museum.
Fifty thousand dollars goes a long way in the classroom, and with the generosity of Indorama Port Neches Operations and the Beaumont Children’s Museum (BCM), 16 area teachers and groups recently received funding for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) projects. The grants were presented March 8.
Aiming to spark an interest and love of the arts and sciences, STEAM is an integrative educational approach with the potential of having a substantial impact on the local industry.
“Investing in education is vital to the success of our communities and the future of our industry,” said Kim Hoyt, site director of Indorama Port Neches Operations. “We are thrilled to partner with the Beaumont Children’s Museum and support teachers and groups in their efforts to enhance the education and development of our youth.”
BCM Executive Director Amanda Yarborough shares Hoyt’s excitement for supporting efforts to encourage students to engage in hands-on STEAM activities.
“These grants will provide much-needed resources for teachers and groups to bring innovative and exciting STEAM projects to life, engaging students in hands-on learning experiences and inspiring them to pursue careers in these fields,” said Yarborough.
This partnership highlights the commitment of both organizations to promoting education and investing in the future of Southeast Texas. The grants will provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a passion for STEAM subjects. The investment in STEAM grants comes from the successful inaugural Fish-O-Rama fishing tournament fundraiser held in 2022, bringing together the community and businesses to raise over $450,000 for STEAM and recycling initiatives. The second annual fishing tournament is July 28–29.
Winning teachers include Lindy Welborn, Bridge City High School; Becky Sparks, Orangefield Elementary; Selena Hennigan, Orangefield High School; Heather D. Wiggins RN, Silsbee High School; Sheree Bowen, Regina Howell Elementary; Billye Ardoin, Dishman Elementary; Wendy Richard, Fletcher Elementary; Susan Ellis, Central Middle School; Robbi Hussey, C.O. Wilson Middle School; Allison Doty, Nederland High School; Katie Rogers, Helena Park Elementary; Melanie Howard, Groves Elementary; Meliton Reyes Jr., Thomas Jefferson Middle School; Leonor Del Rosario-Oliver, Bob Hope High School; Yolyanne Milich, Bob Hope Elementary, Port Arthur and Regina Durham at Bob Hope School, Beaumont.
BCM is hosting Spring into STEAM Spring Break Camp this week for children in kindergarten through 11th grade, offering opportunities for students to participate in hands-on wind and weather experiments, circuits, lego challenges and kitchen chemistry. Although the scheduled Spring Break camp requires reservations, numerous STEAM-themed activities are available during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Barbara Davis, Staff Reporter