Fort Sill, Okla (Sept. 12, 2022) — Fort Sill held an open house at the Child and Youth Services’ Science Technology Engineering Math Center Sept. 8. CYS received a $65K grant from Raytheon Technologies to make the center of innovation just before COVID hit. Now that the center is fully operational, leaders invited the community to see how the grant has afforded children the opportunity to build their own computer, design robots, create graphics with the latest tools, and more.
“We’re able to open children’s eyes to the possibility of the future by showing them the technology here. And through play, they get to experience engineering, math, science, and art,” said Sarah Gersper, CYS coordinator.
Raytheon partnered with The Boys & Girls Club of America to make STEM investments in several locations across the U.S. to help military children. Fort Sill was the 22nd location in 2019.
De'Andre Swanson, CYS program assistant, wrote the Raytheon grant along with former coworker Dominic Mucker. Swanson said in a time where distance learning has become a norm, technology education is a necessity.
"A lot of these kids are digital natives, but this gives more definition to how these things actually work. And it makes it more realistic in terms of utilization for the kids. That was one of our main goals," said Swanson.
The open house highlighted the impact the center has on local youth and the overall importance of STEM education.
"The smarter they are, the more engaged, the more their skills are developed the better not only for our military, but for our country," said Julia Sibilla, Fort Sill Garrison deputy commander.
Miyako Waterton, a student at Lawton High School, said the Wacom Tablet is her favorite part of the STEM Center.
"My older brother is a graphic artist so that's where my interest first started, but I love it here," said Waterton. "Being in a military family means moving around a lot. Being able to have this place to go to for a sense of home, for friends, and a sense of community is comforting."
Miranda Daniels, Youth Center director, said the facility gives the children a chance to unwind after school and explore through STEM activities. During the open house children were racing robots, creating slime, and 3D art.
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