The steam bus that Ottawa High School is building, is coming along quickly and it just received a big financial boost from local industry! The American Eagle Foundation and Kalmar, donated a total of $17,000. Kalmar’s $2,000 donation will go toward purchasing engineering education related items, such as circuit boards and robotics kits. American Eagle Granted a $15,000 donation, most of which will go toward the steam bus’s wrap. Both companies were inspired to donate to the Steam Bus after seeing it during a tour of the High School.
OHS Technology coach, Lori Hower, says with the donations, the bus should be completed by the end of the school year. The bus will serve as a mobile classroom, stopping at schools and other locations around the area, to provide opportunities to learn about science, engineering, technology, art and math. The bus has gained the attention of the Kansas Department of Education, who stated they are impressed with the project and praised USD 290 for their willingness to go above and beyond, to do more and create unique experiences for students. Ottawa High School Principal, Kelly Whitaker, says she is humbled to live in a community that truly sees the value in that real-world and personalized learning for students.
