BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Bakersfield College announced today they will receive a $500,000 donation from Aera to establish the Aera STEM Success Center on campus.
The investment by the Aera Energy Fund of the Kern Community Foundation is an effort to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs at BC.
According to a release from BC's Amber Chiang, the college's STEM programs have been housed in facilities constructed in 1955 but that the new center will be completely modern. The updated facility will provide students with new computers, printing and plotting services, and group study rooms.
"Fundamentally, Bakersfield College is focused on STEM as a pathway to success for our community," said Dr. Sonya Christian, BC president. "It is our firm belief the development of a STEM Success Center will promote STEM careers among all students, serve as a gathering point for students pursuing STEM education, and provide educated and trained employees -- a valuable resource -- to all employers."
"We are pleased to partner with Bakersfield College to create the Aera STEM Success Center," said Guardie E. Banister, President and CEO of Aera Energy. "Aera and BC share common goals of increasing access to higher education for local students and preparing a future technical workforce. The Aera STEM Success Center will be a vital resource both for the oil industry and the broader Kern Community."
Construction for the new facility is expected to begin summer 2015.