STEM-ming from greatness; new educational facility opens

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  A new educational building, funded by a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics grant given last year, will be opened to the public April 21, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The facility is a place where kids from elementary to high school can visit to do several things including completing science projects, recording music in its studio and flying a certified Lockheed Martin C-130 Super Hercules simulator.

According to Kimberly Grant, 86th Force Support Squadron Ramstein youth program director, the goal of the facility is to provide an open environment for kids to exercise their creative abilities.

"The goal of this facility is to provide high quality STEM curriculum... to prepare military-connected youth with the skills they need to excel," said Grant.

This will, in turn, have a positive effect on imaginative-thinking adolescents, according to Grant.

"As we look at the future needs of our nation and armed services, skills in STEM will be critical," said Grant. "This STEM Center of Innovation will encourage our youth to develop their skill outside of the classroom... they'll have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century."

The 86th FSS are funding the furnishing and construction via the money they received from a STEM grant last year. The grant, provided by Raytheon, was given to the Ramstein Youth Center to help fund education programs and events outside the classroom. It provides the community money to expand educational resources for its students.

One of the most exciting aspects is the technology that will be inside the facility, such as three-dimensional printers and high-end computers capable of running top-tier coding programs. The person in charge of the technology, Bryan Mason, 86th FSS recreations assistant, says it's one of the many ways it's innovating how students learn.

"We're giving students access to professional-level computers and equipment to be able to learn and design programs or art projects," said Mason. "When they step into the working world, they will be a step above their peers."

According to Grant, this new opening is one of the many steps the youth center is taking toward developing a more resilient and successful generation.

"We will strengthen the program by purchasing more technology and supplies," said Grant. "We want to develop more STEM-related programs that will strengthen youths' skills."

Innovating in how students can complete school work and express their creative thinking among peers is one of the many steps the Ramstein Youth Center is taking to create a positive learning environment in the KMC.