Students participate in bottle rocket launches during the Engineering Adventure summer STEM camp.

Google donates $250,000 to OSU for K-12 STEM outreach programs

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu

Google recently donated $250,000 to Oklahoma State University to support elementary, middle and high school outreach programs aimed at sparking an interest in STEM fields.

The donation will be divided equally between OSU Center for Health Sciences’ Cowboys Calling STEM outreach programs and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s (CEAT) Engineering is Everywhere initiative, both of which are aimed at elementary through high school students.

“We are grateful to partner with Oklahoma State University to champion programs that strengthen Oklahoma's STEM education and workforce," said Andrew Silvestri, Google's head of community development in Oklahoma. “Oklahoma State's commitment to talent and workforce development will open the door for students across the state to succeed while positioning Oklahoma to be a leader in STEM fields.

“Google is proud to support students and inspire them to pursue STEM learning opportunities right here in the state."

Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum (left) helps Eddy Kang and Logan Peck (right) during an intubation exercise during Operation Orange at OSU in Stillwater in June 2021.

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said he is thankful for Google’s donation and ongoing commitment to promoting STEM careers in the state.

"Providing Oklahoma children with quality STEM education is necessary for the future of our state,” he said. “I am confident this partnership will help create a brighter future for our students."

Dr. Paul Tikalsky, dean of CEAT, said Google’s support for CEAT’s K-12 initiative Engineering is Everywhere is an investment in the next generation of innovators.

“We are impacting thousands of young Oklahomans every year with a goal of raising college readiness for a generation of diverse and bright young minds,” Tikalsky said.

The donation and commitment from Google will allow OSU-CHS to continue to spark an interest in medicine and health sciences in children and teens across Oklahoma.

“Since our founding 50 years ago, OSU Center for Health Sciences and our College of Osteopathic Medicine have worked to improve the lives of Oklahomans. One way we accomplish that is by introducing elementary and secondary students to careers in medicine and science through our Cowboys Calling programs and events,” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said. “This donation from Google will be instrumental in growing and improving our outreach programs and impacting even more students across the state.”

OSU-CHS and its Cowboys Calling initiative host several outreach events each year for elementary to high school students, including Operation Orange, Pre-Health Round Up, Dr. Pete’s Immersion Camp, Way Cool Science and Teddy Bear Clinics — all aimed at getting students, especially those in rural and underserved communities, interested in medicine and health sciences.

“The goal of all our programs is to introduce students to the many options available to them in the field of health care,” said OSU-CHS Outreach Managing Director Bria Taylor. “I cannot thank Google enough for this amazing gift. It will truly change lives as we tap the potential of future medical professionals, who will in turn improve the lives of those in their community.”

CEAT plans to host two STEM Symposiums in the spring for students, teachers and school administrators to learn about engineering. In addition to the 30-plus STEM camps already planned, an additional four summer camps will be offered in rural communities in Oklahoma. The funding also will enable CEAT to help with other activities and events such as STEM Saturdays and STEM family nights.

“We are so excited about this amazing gift from Google. Our K-12 STEM department wants to extend our efforts across Oklahoma making sure we are reaching all kids that might not have the opportunity to be impacted with STEM principles and disciplines,” said Brandy Mays, program manager of CEAT’s DOD STEM program.

“Google is helping make all this possible, and we are proud to work with them to help Oklahoma’s youth explore and expand their opportunities.”