Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) has announced a partnership with Sunbeam Family Services to improve the nonprofit’s early education centers, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiatives. This collaboration is supported by a $30,000 grant from the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation.
The grant will enhance family and community engagement in STEAM activities across Sunbeam’s early education centers. David Parker, vice president of technology, data, and security at OG&E and a board member of Sunbeam, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He stated, “OG&E and Sunbeam work toward a brighter future by helping communities in Oklahoma grow and prosper. By providing engaging ways to learn about science, engineering, and math, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning and help children succeed. We are honored to work with Sunbeam to create positive change and ensure everyone in our community has the chance to thrive.”
The funding will allow for early learning activities for babies and toddlers, promoting essential skills like curiosity, persistence, communication, problem-solving, and flexible thinking. These programs are designed to help bridge the opportunity gap for young children attending Sunbeam’s early education centers.
Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal emphasized the importance of early learning, stating, “Investing in early learning programs ensures young children have a strong foundation for success in school and life. We are grateful to OG&E for their partnership in supporting children and families in our community.”
Access to high-quality early childhood education is vital for the future success of children and their families, especially those from under-resourced communities. Research indicates that a child’s brain development is greatly influenced by their relationships with adult caregivers by age three, impacting their health, education, and overall life outcomes.
Sunbeam Family Services is a leading provider of early care and education in Oklahoma County, offering Early Head Start and Head Start programs through full-day, year-round services. The nonprofit also provides support via its Home Visitation program.
OG&E has collaborated with Sunbeam since 2008, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to build brighter futures for children and families in the community.
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