EPA, NASA, USACE, Tuskegee Airman and Perot Museum Foster STEM in Dallas

From EPA:

EPA, NASA, USACE, Tuskegee Airman and Perot Museum

Foster STEM in Dallas

Contact: Joe Hubbard or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

DALLAS – (Feb. 26, 2014) Students today learned about the importance of science and engineering education from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),  a Tuskegee Airman and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The educational program held at the Perot Museum challenged students to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“Encouraging students to excel in science and engineering should start at an early age,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “We look forward to these students becoming our future environmental leaders.”

“Whether engineers, airmen or astronauts, we have only advanced by understanding the world around us,” said NASA Astronaut Colonel Benjamin Drew. “Whether you are exploring new environments or preserving our own environment, seek to understand the world around you. Follow your curiosity.”

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is known as the Nation’s Engineers,” said Brig. Gen. David C. Hill, SWD Commander, “because our nation turns to us to solve both simple and complex engineering issues.  We built many of the iconic American landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, but we also build things close to home, such as locks and dams, and levees and ports.  It is vital to our nation’s economic and technological strength that we develop robust STEM capabilities to help us continue building strong for future generations of Americans.”

“Everything we do should be geared towards developing children, our future, said Tuskegee Airman Lieutenant Calvin Spann. “You have to reach everyone, down to the youngest and try your best to develop their dreams.”   

“To compete and succeed in our technology-based economy, today's students need a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Colleen Walker, the Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. “One way we fulfill our mission to inspire minds through nature and science is by highlighting the relevance and fun of STEM in everyday life. With the help of like-minded partners such as NASA, the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we at the Perot Museum hope to encourage and propel the STEM leaders of the future.”

Federal agencies place a high priority on supporting STEM disciplines through education initiatives unique to their agency’s mission, vision and resources. This year marks 20 years of EPA’s commitment to STEM disciplines, especially in environmental areas of study.

EPA participates in a variety of STEM outreach events. Learn about recent and upcoming science events and how EPA is making important contributions to science at:http://www.epa.gov/research/stem/.

For more information about USACE and STEM visit: http://www.usace.army.mil/stem

Connect with EPA Region 6:

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eparegion6 

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6

Activities in EPA Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm 

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