STEM dedication to kids; New lab at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary

  • Published
  • By Airman Jackson Haddon
ALTUS AIR FORCE BAS, OKLA. --  “When we talk about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, we talk about the future of our nation, the defense of our country, our future leaders and teachers,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Todd Hohn, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. “We are one of 30 wings that are partnering to do this throughout the Air Force. There are 200,000 students we’re helping and around 80,000 hours of volunteer time. That’s pretty impressive stuff.”

A STEM lab was opened at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School, December 6, 2016, on Altus Air Force Base.

The lab was dedicated in hope of inspiring children to gain an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The lab contains items dedicated to inspire young peoples interest, including a robot, magnets and other scientific learning materials for the children to play with.

“The Air Force is now reaching out and doing more with public schools and not just the Department of Defense,” said Nathan Covington, 97th Air Mobility Wing STEM coordinator and school liaison officer. “The Department of Education and the DOD have teamed up to put resources in place to educate students to help them gain more interest in STEM related activities.”

The lab is important because it reaches kids at a young age, according to Covington, with the potential to spark their interest as early as possible.

“We are dedicated to partnering with Rivers for our future generation of children so their understanding of STEM is better than anybody else in this room,” said Hohn.

Investing in the future of young people is a wise investment for the Air Force, from helping local communities to recruiting, the results are practically limitless.

“STEM is a wise investment for the Air Force,” said Covington. “It builds on the Air Forces future and invests in the lives of young students.”

Making a good impression at such a young age could lead to potential Airmen later on, according to Hohn, and the Air Force is always on a quest to seek out the best and brightest so it can continue to fly, fight and win.

The new lab is operational and Rivers Elementary is incorporating it in the lives of young students.