Innovation is being taken to new heights in Kingfisher County due in part to a partnership between Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

Students last Wednesday interacted with state-of-the-art equipment in the newly-opened science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) center at Kingfisher Middle School.

Students and community leaders commemorated the opening with a ribbon cutting and demonstration of the high-tech tools.

Students from KMS and Heritage School experimented with new tools including a 3D printer, Code Hoppers, Snap Circuits, Ozobots and Bee Bots.

“This STEM center allows our students to learn more about the topics they are interested in,” said Heritage Principal Shane Hood. “Introducing these tools to kids early on gives them a head start and empowers them to pursue growing fields.”

Allison Bailey, community relations specialist for Devon, said the energy company is committed to making STEM more accessible to the next generation.

“We’re thrilled about partnering with the Ripken Foundation for such an important cause,” Bailey said. “These kids are our future, and it’s our responsibility to ensure students from all backgrounds have the chance to get involved with these fields.”

Bailey added that Devon and the Ripken Foundation hope the new center will inspire minority and at-risk youth to pursue STEM-related fields in the future.

Since launching this initiative in 2016, more than 32,000 students across 15 states have been impacted by this hands-on learning approach.

Currently, there are 80 STEM centers nationwide teaching students about what these fields have to offer.

The Ripken Foundation provides training, a curriculum guidebook and activity kits to educate students on how to use the center’s technology and resources.

Ripken Foundation President and CEO Steve Salem said the organization’s partnership with Devon is promoting curiosity about the future of STEM and encouraging students to challenge themselves.

“This STEM center will provide dozens of kids the opportunity to explore different scientific areas and achieve their full potential,” Salem said.