OG&E Invests Over $6,000 in Noble Schools’ STEM Education

Noble Public Schools has received a significant boost in STEM education funding, thanks to a generous donation from OG&E. The company, in collaboration with DonorsChoose, has fully funded eight classroom projects, contributing over $6,000 to enhance educational resources for students in the district.

During a surprise visit to the schools, OG&E representatives celebrated the funding with a large check presentation, accompanied by confetti. This initiative aims to directly support educators in Noble and across the company’s service area, allowing teachers to acquire the necessary tools to foster hands-on learning experiences. The funding will support various projects, including robotics kits, interactive smartboards, and other materials designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Stephanie Coleman, community outreach coordinator for OG&E, emphasized the importance of supporting teachers who often spend their own money on classroom supplies. “Our teachers love taking care of their kids, and OG&E loves taking care of our teachers. When we can help them create new learning opportunities, the whole community benefits,” she stated.

Teachers from both Curtis Inge Middle School and John K. Hubbard Elementary School were among those whose projects received full funding. Notably, second-grade teacher Shea Webster expressed enthusiasm about receiving a 3D printer for her classroom. This technology will allow her students to design and print their own math manipulatives, enhancing engagement and making learning more interactive. “The 3D printer will enhance my students’ hands-on learning opportunities, and they will be more engaged,” Webster noted.

Other funded projects focus on early-grade STEM exploration and integrating technology into lessons. First-grade teacher Julie Anne Brewer remarked on the broader impact of such investments, stating, “It is very important that kids have a STEM background and can explore and innovate. When we pour into our children, the community benefits, so it is an amazing thing when anyone donates to our classrooms.”

The contribution received praise from Frank Solomon, the superintendent of Noble Public Schools. He expressed gratitude for OG&E’s involvement, saying, “Anytime you can have an outside source come in and help with any of the projects we are wanting to do, it is a blessing.”

In addition to the funding provided to Noble Public Schools, OG&E continues to support STEM-related projects through DonorsChoose across its service areas in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Since the partnership began in 2003, OG&E has donated more than $700,000, benefiting thousands of students and teachers, particularly in rural and underserved schools. Recently, a $30,000 donation helped 17,288 students at 81 schools access innovative learning experiences.

As part of this ongoing initiative, OG&E encourages educators to submit their STEM projects for matching funds, ensuring that teachers can continue to bring their ideas to life. Community members can also play a role by donating online, with OG&E matching contributions dollar for dollar. To discover local STEM projects eligible for matching funds, interested individuals can visit oge.com/education and select “Donate to a project.”

This collaboration between OG&E and Noble Public Schools highlights the vital role that community partnerships play in enriching educational experiences and fostering a generation of innovative thinkers.