The students of East Baltimore's Collington Square Elementary/Middle School received a big surprise ahead of the new school year: a state-of-the-art STEM classroom.
The school's new Cal Ripken, Sr. STEM Center was unveiled last week during a sneak-a-peak back to school event. Students and their families were invited to tour the room as they scoped out their new classroom assignments for the school year. The room gives students access to hands-on, enriching math and science learning opportunities, strengthening critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration skills essential for academic success and future career pathways.
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation—named for the longtime Baltimore Orioles player, scout, coach, and manager who is also the father of Orioles' legend Cal Ripken Jr.—empowers young learners by providing access to engaging, age-appropriate STEM education. Through its STEM program, it has established more than 890 STEM centers in 31 states and Washington, D.C. Johns Hopkins also provided financial and logistical support for the Collington Square STEM center.
Friday's ribbon-cutting ceremony was kicked off by Collington Square's principal, Nakisha Fair, part of a celebration highlighting not only the new classroom, but also the school's longstanding role as a community hub for East Baltimore youth.
Collington Square, located just blocks from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, is also home to the Johns Hopkins Police Athletics/Activities League program. PAL is a national program that strengthens community-police relationships by supporting youth activities, education, and mentorship.
"The STEM center represents so much more than just a new space," said Morgan Jones-Massey, PAL director for the Johns Hopkins Police Department. "It represents opportunity, possibility, and a message to our students that they are seen, supported, and capable of achieving great things. I want every young person who walks through these doors to feel inspired to explore, create, ask questions, and dream bigger than they ever thought possible."
Branville Bard, vice president for public safety at Johns Hopkins, also shared brief remarks, as did several local elected officials, including Del. Jackie Addison, Del. Caylin Young, Del.-elect Chanel Branch, and Baltimore City Councilman Antonio Glover.
"Johns Hopkins is proud to be a consistent partner to Collington Square, its students, their families, and the surrounding community," Bard said. "I also want to recognize the role of our Johns Hopkins Police Athletic/Activities League, or PAL, here at Collington Square. PAL is about building positive relationships between youth, police, schools, and the community. It gives young people access to mentoring, recreation, and educational opportunities, while helping build trust through positive engagement. Programs like PAL matter because prevention starts with connection. When we create safe, supportive, and engaging spaces for youth, we help set them on a path toward success."
Image credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University
