Inspiring the Next Generation
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is critical to the future of Ball Corporation and our nation. We need innovative scientists and engineers and skilled tradespeople to tackle increasingly complex technical challenges.
To fill the ever-growing demand for STEM professionals, Ball Aerospace engages and inspires tomorrow’s technology leaders. Ball employee volunteers show K-12 and higher education students what’s possible with a STEM education—a fulfilling career with competitive pay and strong growth potential.
The Ball Community Ambassador program fosters employees’ passion for volunteerism by matching their donations and providing $20 per volunteer hour for their favorite nonprofits. Ball Corporation’s philanthropic arm, The Ball Foundation, also supports STEM education with grants for programs that make an impact, particularly for diverse and underrepresented groups.
Together, we inspire the next generation to Go Beyond®.
Out-of-this-World Outreach
Ball’s STEM support includes providing mentors, guest speakers, workshop facilitators, materials and sponsorships for a broad spectrum of STEM programs and events. Here’s a glimpse of those activities.
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American Meteorological Society (Ams) Weatherfest & Education Symposium
The annual AMS meeting hosts WeatherFest, where hundreds of families learn about meteorology and related careers. Ball Aerospace’s weather spacecraft exhibit is always a popular stop. Ball also sponsors and actively engages K-12 teachers attending the meeting’s Education Symposium.
Ball Intern Remote Sensing Team (BIRST)
Our BIRST program exemplifies Ball’s commitment to higher education. BIRST offers Ball college interns the chance to design and build payloads that are later launched on a sport rocket or high-altitude balloon. Ball employees mentor the interns throughout the engineering process—and enjoy the experience as much as the interns.
Denver Museum Of Nature & Science (DMNS)
Ball is proud to support DMNS and its award-winning STEM programming. At the museum’s special public events and presentations, Ball employees inform thousands of visitors about our company’s sustainability initiatives and our space and Earth science technology.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics
FIRST Robotics gives elementary, middle and high school teams the chance to work alongside Ball mentors while they design and build robots for regional and international competitions. Students develop specialized skills, as well as self-confidence and leadership and teamwork skills. Ball employees provide invaluable FIRST support at both schools and competitions.
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
This well-regarded organization helps underserved girls build their life and learning skills and discover their strengths and interests. Girls Inc. of Metro Denver and Ball partner to promote the girls’ interest in high-tech subjects and careers. Ball employees excel at being role models and sharing STEM fun with the girls.
Society of Women Engineers Rocky Mountain Section (SWE RMS) GESTEM
Girls Exploring Science Technology Engineering & Math (GESTEM) introduces middle school girls to STEM careers with motivational presentations and hands-on activities. Ball employees have volunteered as organizers and workshop leaders since the first GESTEM in 2003.
Stem Pros Engage the Public (SPEP)
Libraries, observatories, museums, national parks and other organizations often host exhibits and events designed to spark the public’s interest in STEM topics. Through Ball Aerospace’s SPEP program, we conduct outreach at many of these activities, often focusing on the NASA, NOAA and USGS missions that we’re partners on.
STEM Pros in Schools (SPS)
Ball Aerospace’s SPS program provides a platform for students and teachers to interact with diverse STEM role models. Through SPS, we respond to innumerable K-12 outreach requests, connecting Ball professionals with Colorado schools. They share insight into their career and education paths and their work on science and technology missions. This outreach comes in many forms—presentations, career fair booths, demonstrations and project mentoring, to name a few.