Permian Strategic Partnership gifts stem centers to every elementary school in the Permian Basin

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - The Permian Strategic Partnership announced a partnership with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to gift every elementary school in the Permian Basin with a stem center.

The PSP’s announcement to equip every elementary school with stem centers was the conclusion of the Permian Basin Education Leadership Summit at the Horseshoe.

Educators say they were blown away and the announcement was met with a lot of celebration.

Up to 134 elementary schools in the Permian Basin will now have access to stem learning resources.

The centers will serve over 60,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers in 22 counties.

“We know that our future workforce is in the classroom right now. They’re kindergarteners, they’re first graders, they’re second graders, they’re third graders and we want them to get excited about the future right here in the Permian. We also know that not every student, especially in rural areas, has access to stem,” said PSP president and CEO Tracee Bentley.

Midland ISD has 27 elementary schools, while Ector County ISD has 28.

MISD deputy superintendent says access to stem resources at an early age is invaluable to a student.

“The future definitely is rooted in science, tech, engineering, and mathematics. To think that we’re going to have every elementary student in all of our 27 schools have access to 21st century stem engaging activities in a curriculum is truly going to open up the door for our students like you wouldn’t believe,” said MISD deputy superintendent Kregg Cuellar.

The Permian Strategic Partnership prides itself on being able to impact the Permian Basin in a positive way.

By being involved in this project, they can reach more West Texans than ever before.

“We have some of the most intelligent, motivated, hardworking people of anywhere in the entire country. Getting our kids ready to be the next leaders and to be in our future workforce is so important. The time is right now. We are just so blessed that we can be a part of that,” said Bentley.

The Permian Strategic Partnership says by the end of the year, they hope to have stem centers implemented at any elementary school that wants one.

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