WASHINGTON, DC.- In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian received a donation of $2.3 million from the Caterpillar Foundation to produce science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming and resources for 40 communities in 21 states over the next three years. With this gift, the Smithsonian Science Education Center will provide educators with professional development and hands-on teaching resources, create an AI-focused learning guide and deliver virtual training for teachers across the country.

The donation enables the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) to expand the newly launched Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program, a first-of-its-kind Smithsonian program designed to support middle schools and high schools that are taking a systemic approach to integrating STEAM education into their teaching and learning. The program aims to prepare students nationwide for emerging, high-demand careers.

“We thank the Caterpillar Foundation for this gift, which will help us provide tens of thousands of students around the country with the resources they need to engage more deeply in an engaging and high-quality education,” said Monique M. Chism, Ph.D., the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education. “The work that SSEC will do with teachers, through this gift, will help increase capacity and support the development of the next generation of leaders.”

Twenty-four schools will be sponsored to participate in the Smithsonian’s STEAM Schools of Distinction. For these schools, the Smithsonian will provide immersive professional learning, ongoing virtual support and access to Smithsonian museums and research centers.





“A solid science education sets students up for a life of success,” said Carol O’Donnell, Ph.D., director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “Students who receive support in science education tend to perform better across all subjects. The Caterpillar Foundation’s gift ensures students across the country will be ready to address the challenges that lie ahead in science, technology, engineering, and beyond.”

The Smithsonian’s learning guide will include lessons and hands-on activities to help students discover uses of AI in their communities; understand and investigate AI tools used in the STEM workforce; and practice using AI to solve local needs. Finally, the Smithsonian will host virtual training sessions for about 40 communities around the country to provide teachers with the most relevant Smithsonian STEM resources for their classrooms.

“America’s 250th anniversary is a moment to support the people and possibilities that will shape our nation’s future,” said Asha Varghese, president of the Caterpillar Foundation. “The Foundation is committed to enabling pathways for the next generation through expanded access to STEM education, while inspiring individuals to share their time, talent and passion in communities around the world. Together, these efforts help build a more innovative and resilient nation for the generations to come.”