What's Happening in Oklahoma City, OK…

Three Oklahoma City buildings next to an elementary school have become science, technology, engineering, and math centers.

Over 100 volunteers from the Home Depot Foundation, Devon, Cal Ripkin Senior Foundation, and teachers worked on the buildings near Mark Twain Elementary all day to create an artistic space for children. According to Christina Rehkop, Community Relations Director of Devon, the organizations worked together to make a difference at the school.

The former Kiwanis building was turned into a workshop by the volunteers from Home Depot. A prekindergarten STEM lab was created in another building. Store manager at Home Depot Mitch Husk instantly volunteered for the project when he heard about it. It might create a new generation of inventors and creators.

The project's main partner is Cal Ripkin Jr, a famous former baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles. The foundation of the major league athlete has built 60 centers for STEM education in the United States in the past few years. Cal Ripkin Senior Foundation representative Joe Rosso said all of the centers look the same in case students have to change schools so everything looks familiar. The foundation plans to build another in Norman.

Since every student at Mark Twain Elementary has a free or reduced lunch, representatives believe these types of projects are important to ensure all students have the same educational opportunities. Graphic design combines the math and technology aspect of STEM education with art.