A child wearing an orange shirt with the word 'STEM' and science icons on the back sits at a desk in a classroom. Other children in matching shirts are seated at desks facing a large screen at the front. A water bottle and plate are on the child's desk.

Firms raise $10,000 for CEAT K-12 STEM outreach program 

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.ed

Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology recognizes organizer Freese and Nichols and eight other participating firms for their generous support of an event benefiting CEAT’s K-12 STEM outreach program. 

Freese and Nichols planned and hosted the coed sand volleyball tournament in Oklahoma City to benefit CEAT’s K-12 STEM initiatives. The event brought together teams from local architecture, engineering and construction firms for a fun and meaningful competition, with Guernsey claiming the tournament trophy. Through fundraising for the event, CEAT received a $10,000 donation to support its outreach efforts. 

Boombox Beach Club, where the event was held, provided a vibrant and welcoming space for players and supporters alike. 

CEAT’s STEM outreach program introduces students from kindergarten through 12th grade to science, technology, engineering and math concepts through camps, activities and educational resources. These efforts are designed to ignite curiosity, build problem-solving and collaboration skills, and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. 

Students engage in hands-on learning activities during CEAT's K-12 STEM summer camps.

With the program’s government funding recently discontinued, CEAT is increasingly reliant on support from donors and industry partners to continue reaching students across Oklahoma. Investments like the one from Freese and Nichols ensure that CEAT can continue to provide hands-on STEM experiences that benefit not only the students involved, but the long-term strength of our communities, workforce and economy. 

“We want to thank Freese and Nicolas for thinking outside the (sand) box for a fund-raising idea,” said Dr. Jovette Dew, director of K-12 STEM programs. “We truly appreciate all involved with this problem-solving project, so we can provide STEM to more kids in Oklahoma.”

Freese and Nichols — an engineering, planning and consulting firm with a long history of public service — exemplifies the power of industry leadership in shaping future innovators. Their commitment to community impact and education is deeply aligned with CEAT’s mission to prepare the next generation of problem-solvers and changemakers.

Thanks also to the other participating firms:

Team sponsors: STV, Inc., Kimley-Horn, Wallace Design Collective, Olsson (two teams), Garver, CEC and Guernsey.

Hudson Prince sponsored T-shirts, and TEIM Design sponsored the trophy.