The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has approved the National Youth Science Foundation’s (NYSF) proposal to acquire the facilities of the Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) near Davis, West Virginia. The NYSF will transform CVI’s $18 million campus into the NYSF’s Center for STEM Education. The Center for STEM Education will be capable of providing innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education programs for hundreds of students each year.
The NYSF’s proposal was greatly strengthened by the financial support of key members of the community as well as more than 700 alumni of the National Youth Science Camp; together, they committed more than $1.5 million in support of the Center for STEM Education. The NYSF also acknowledges the support of its trustees; members of the Tucker County Community; Dr. Michael Martirano, WV State Superintendent of Schools; United States Senator Joe Manchin; the WV State Board of Education; and United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito. Ron Pearson, Chairman of the NYSF Board of Trustees said, “This opportunity would not be possible without the generous support of our alumni and friends. Their commitment will make it possible for the NYSF to serve many more students each year in a robust, ready-made STEM education facility.”
Dr. Andrew Blackwood, Executive Director of the NYSF, said, “Establishing the Center for STEM Education will empower the NYSF to leverage its more than 50-years experience hosting the National Youth Science Camp to serve hundreds of West Virginia students each year. By building communities among students, teachers, and professionals, NYSF programs bridge the gap between the traditional school curriculum and careers in STEM and related professions.” The National Youth Science Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates STEM education programs.
The Canaan Valley Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Central Appalachia with clean rivers and streams. While CVI’s facilities will be transferred to the NYSF, CVI will continue to maintain offices at the Center for STEM Education and provide important services and education opportunities in the region. For more information about CVI, please see http://www.canaanvi.org.
For more information and photographs: Center for STEM Education