An Eastern Oregon University football player assembles packs kits April 6, 2024. Members of the team assisted in readying kits that will be sent to 2,200 fourth graders in the region.

LA GRANDE — Demonstrating their dedication to both education and community service, football players from Eastern Oregon University teamed up April 6 with the Greater Oregon STEM Hub to assemble STEM kits for 2,200 fourth-grade students across Eastern Oregon.

The players, along with coaches and GO STEM staff, according to an announcement from EOU, worked together to pack boxes filled with science kits. The collaboration, now in its fourth consecutive year, was initially launched during the pandemic to support remote learning efforts.

David Melville, executive director of GO STEM, highlighted the importance of reaching students at a crucial stage in their educational journey.

“Fourth grade is a pivotal time when students begin transitioning to more independent learning,” he said in the press release. “Introducing STEM concepts at this stage opens doors to exploration and ignites curiosity.”

The STEM kits feature challenges such as catapults, gravity racers and geometric structures, all designed with the goal of making science more accessible and enjoyable for young learners. With the support of sponsors like Amazon Web Services and partnerships with EOU’s football team, GO STEM has been able to expand its outreach significantly.

“EOU football players play a vital role in the success of this program,” Melville said. “Their dedication and hard work save us countless hours and ensure that these STEM kits reach students efficiently.”

In addition to the football team’s contributions, EOU’s Shipping and Receiving department and Sodexo Catering Services also played integral roles in the project, stated the release. Together, they packed and shipped boxes to 52 elementary schools across seven counties in Eastern Oregon.