America is built on ingenuity and inspiration, supported by creativity and critical thinking. To maintain this tradition, investing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education is crucial. 

That’s why the Burns & McDonnell Foundation is investing in a $1 million-plus grant program that supports both STEM education and a thriving educational environment at Science City. The grant program has three major components:

·  A battle—the Battle of the Brains
·  A ball—Science On a Sphere, a new exhibit coming soon to Science City
·  A broader focus—new programming and upgrades for the Burns & McDonnell Engineerium.

These efforts are designed to  get people talking and students thinking, about STEM education and about the potential of Science City. Above all, our goal is to inspire kids to dream, discover and create. We can all do that by encouraging the innovation that comes from a strong foundation of STEM knowledge. This foundation will bear fruit. Projections by the U.S. Labor Department show that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014 will require significant mathematics or science preparation.