News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kaitlin Felsted, Marketing Communications Specialist
STEM Action Center
801-673-7601
kfelsted@utah.gov
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 16, 2017)— Gov. Gary R. Herbert and STEM industry leaders unveiled the Utah STEM Bus (USB) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the State Capitol.
Last year, the Utah STEM Action Center received a $1.5 million grant from Andeavor (formerly Tesoro) to transform a donated Utah Transit Authority Bus into a mobile STEM classroom.
“We are proud to support the Utah STEM Action Center and its mission to further develop a STEM-competitive workforce,” said Brian Sullivan, vice president of corporate affairs for Andeavor and president of the Andeavor Foundation. “By investing in the STEM in Motion program, we hope to increase students’ awareness, interest and understanding of STEM-related concepts and careers, as well as provide valuable training opportunities for teachers across the state.”
STEM in Motion will reach geographical areas that may have limited STEM opportunities. It will provide hands-on learning experiences to students, parents and educators to inspire a passion for STEM learning statewide.
“We are happy to support the STEM Action Center with the donation of a retired transit bus,” said UTA President and CEO Jerry Benson. “We know very well the importance of a workforce skilled in science, technology, engineering and math. We’re glad to see this bus start its second life as a mobile classroom and hope to see some of these students working in high-tech bus and train systems at UTA in years to come.”
STEM in Motion’s mission is to build STEM talent to support Utah’s workforce needs. The development of this program is an example of business-education partnerships that will ensure the state’s sustainable economic growth.
“We are excited to partner with Andeavor to take STEM ‘on the road,’” said Dr. Tamara Goetz, Utah STEM Action Center executive director. “The demand for the STEM in Motion is overwhelming, and we are working hard to reach all of the students that are eager for STEM experiences. Andeavor has been the spark that encouraged other companies to join our team, and we are grateful to everyone for their commitment to Utah students.”
Using curricula aligned with state standards, STEM in Motion piloted the program to more than 3,000 students at 21 schools this year. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – there is currently a waiting list for USB visits.
Featured classroom curriculum includes:
- Robotics
- 3-D Printing
- Renewable Energy
- Video Game Design
- Computer Programming
“We appreciate the generous support of local companies and organizations that have stepped up to join this statewide initiative,” said Allison Spencer, Utah STEM Action Center Foundation director. “Partnerships like these help students gain awareness for career opportunities they might never know existed. Businesses that get involved enjoy a great ROI; they increase the chances of these students coming back and filling jobs in the future.”
STEM in Motion is made possible by contributions from Andeavor, UTA, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, IM Flash, Adobe, Comcast, Hill Air Force Base, MHTN Architects, Shell Oil, and more. For information on how to become an industry partner for Utah STEM Action Center initiatives, please contact Allison Spencer at aspencer@utah.gov or visit stem.utah.gov.
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is based on Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s commitment to statewide economic development. The state’s economic vision is that Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business environment and tourist destination. GOED provides extensive resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment statewide, as well as programs to increase tourism and film production for the benefit of Utah residents. All administered programs are based upon strategic industry clusters to develop a diverse, sustainable economy. GOED accomplishes its mission through unprecedented partnerships. For more information please contact: Aimee Edwards, (801) 538-8811 or edwards@utah.gov.
About the STEM Action Center
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Action Center works to develop Utah’s workforce of the future by prioritizing STEM education. The program drives research and implementation of STEM education best practices across Utah by coordinating STEM-related activities, creating and coordinating proven STEM education best practices, facilitating educator access to those tools, align public STEM education and higher STEM education activities.