Cal Ripken Sr. STEM Lab
Sidney Gutierrez School students can explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning in new ways, thanks to Devon Energy and the Chase Foundation. The school now has a dedicated Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM center with new furniture and innovative tools such as 3D printers, Snap Circuits, Ozobots and Bee-Bots.
“We believe all children deserve the opportunity to explore their passions and learn about the paths available to them, especially in this ever-evolving technology-based world,” said Steve Salem, president & CEO of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “The Ripken Foundation is proud to provide curriculum and teacher training to ensure students can get the most out of these new STEM tools.”
Principal Joe Andreis said the gift aligns with the school’s mission. “Our school was named after astronaut Sidney Gutierrez, and we want our students to shoot for the stars,” he said. “Preparing them to understand and thrive in an increasingly technical world is of the utmost importance, and we couldn’t do it without amazing corporate neighbors like Devon and the Chase Foundation.”
Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a premier multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations.
Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation helps to strengthen America’s most underserved and distressed communities by supporting and advocating for children, building Youth Development Parks and STEM Centers, partnering with law enforcement and youth-service agencies, and addressing community needs through its national program initiatives. In 2021, the Ripken Foundation impacted over 1.2 million youth nationwide through its Youth Development Parks and youth development programs. Since 2009, the Ripken Foundation has 111 completed parks across the country in 26 states and Washington, D.C. In addition, since 2016, the Ripken Foundation has installed 248 STEM Centers in 19 states.