Partnership for the Future, Built on Tradition
America is built on ingenuity and inspiration, supported by creativity and critical thinking. To maintain this tradition, investing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education is crucial. That's why Science City and Burns & McDonnell have partnered previously, making sure a visit to Science City is an exciting and fulfilling experience. We began with the Engineerium. But in 2011, we rolled out the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains, a unique opportunity for school groups to design the next great exhibit for Science City. Through the Burns & McDonnell Foundation's $1 million-plus grant program, students can see their ideas come to life in one of the country's best science centers. They also have a chance at earning their school group a piece of a $130,000-plus grant for STEM education.
The grant program has three major components:
- A battle — the Battle of the Brains
- A ball — Science On a Sphere, a new exhibit coming soon to Science City
- A broader focus — new programming and upgrades for the Burns & McDonnell Engineerium
These efforts are designed to get people talking and students thinking, about STEM education and about the potential of Science City. Above all, our goal is to inspire kids to dream, discover and create. We can all do that by encouraging the innovation that comes from a strong foundation of STEM knowledge. This foundation will bear fruit. Projections by the U.S. Labor Department show that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014 will require significant mathematics or science preparation.
See what's happening with teams around the metro: