Local leaders, foundations, and community members partner with The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to bring stem centers to seven schools in Accomack & Northampton counties.

Thanks to various funders, including the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation; philanthropist David Landsberger; the Eastern Shore Community Foundation; Captains Cove Community Partners; community advocates John Custis and Robert Smith, as well as various other community members. In total, $210,000 has been raised for this important county-wide initiative. The STEM Centers are expected to be completed by spring of 2022.

The schools receiving these state-of-the art STEM Centers include:

Accomack County

Accawmacke Elementary School
Kegotank Elementary School
Pungoteague Elementary school
Chincoteague Elementary school
Chincoteague Middle School

Northampton County

Kiptopeke Elementary School
Occohannock Elementary School

Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Co-Founder, Cal Ripken, Jr. said, “We are thrilled to be bringing these STEM Centers to seven schools in Virginia. We’ve learned that getting STEM in front of kids in elementary and middle schools is critical. Thanks to great partners and community leaders, we are opening these STEM Centers at a rapid pace nationwide, and they are making a difference to students, teachers, and the schools.”

In 2021, CRSF is celebrating its 20^th anniversary and over that time it has grown into a national foundation impacting over 10 million kids in underserved communities. The Foundation has opened 138 fully operational and turnkey STEM Centers in elementary and middle schools in 15 states. These STEM Centers will be the first that the Ripken Foundation brings to Virginia. In addition, the Foundation has distributed over 10,000 at-home STEM kits in 16 states.

ACPS Cal Ripken Fund

By Robert Smith

ACPS Cal Ripken Fund

Benefitting the kids of Accomack & Northampton counties