Giving back to community: gadgets and gardens

Tyler Union and M&H Valve team members volunteered to support STEM and environmental-related education in April, marking a strong month of giving back and engagement with local youth.

The Anniston companies, along with McWane, Inc., sponsored AcaSTEMic’s STEM Extravaganza for students on Saturday, April 26, at the Anniston City Meeting Center, where team members volunteered to help students engage in a fun, interactive day designed to inspire and drive learning in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

“Industry knows for America to have a bright future in science, technology engineering and math, we must invest in our young people today,” said McWane Group Environmental Director and AcaSTEMic’s founder Jerome McQueen.

Each student received a STEM kit tailored for their age group to build, helping drive critical thinking, problem-solving skills and confidence. Several of the kits distributed included a tabletop lamp, wind energy car, fiber optic lights, and even DIY wireless speakers.

Over 175 students, volunteers and parents came together for the event, and volunteers from Anniston Operations and AcaSTEMics participated by leading a STEM sing-along and by aiding students working on their kits. Students who successfully completed their kits were able to celebrate by getting on stage with their kit to have their picture taken.

Representatives from Alabama A&M University and NASA were also present to support the event.