Boeing and World Learning Open STEAM Discovery Center in Riyadh

RIYADH, Oct. 30, 2024 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and World Learning celebrated the opening of the first Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Discovery Center in Saudi Arabia, at King Saud University. The Center supports the Kingdom's commitment to fostering innovation and equipping its youth with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global, and H.E. Michael Ratney, U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the STEAM Discovery Center. The ceremony was attended by Asaad AlJomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia, and Melissa Oppenheimer, Vice President for Global Programs at World Learning, along with other distinguished guests and business leaders.

"This investment in STEAM builds on Boeing’s longtime commitment to education and community development in Saudi Arabia," said Dr. Nelson. "This not only provides resources and opportunities for young scientists, engineers and innovators, but also contributes to the broader goal of building a knowledge-based economy and supports Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud’s 2030 vision for a vibrant, innovative and technology-rich Kingdom.” 

U.S. Ambassador H.E. Ratney, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “It is exciting to see the opportunities that the STEAM Discovery Center will provide Saudi youth and educators in exploring, experimenting, and innovating in STEAM education. Inspiring students to think creatively about solutions to the world’s most pressing problems through education is a great example of how Boeing is investing in the future of Saudi Arabia.”

The STEAM Discovery Center is a space where primary, middle, and high school students can create, innovate and discover science through project-based learning experiences. The Center’s programs challenge students to think creatively, solve real-world problems and move beyond their limitations. The Center also offers programs for STEAM educators to improve their pedagogical practices to create an engaging learning environment for all students. 

World Learning and Boeing have partnered to improve access to STEAM education since 2016. Through workshops, trainings, innovation camps, robotics competitions and teacher education programs, more than 12,000 students and teachers across Algeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have actively learned new technical, professional and leadership skills.

About Boeing Saudi Arabia: As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems. Boeing enjoys a strong and long-standing relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that started in the mid 1940’s when President Roosevelt gifted the Kingdom its first commercial airplane, a DC-3 Dakota. Since then, Boeing has continued to invest in the Kingdom to grow the local aerospace sector, creating jobs and driving innovation for mutual benefit. Boeing Saudi Arabia is a proud partner of the Saudi commercial, defense and services sector.

About World Learning:  World Learning is a global nonprofit that works to create a more sustainable, peaceful, and just world through education, cultural exchange, and locally led development. Through a portfolio of nearly 100 programs, World Learning helps equip individuals and institutions with fundamental and 21st-century skills, intercultural understanding, and networks worldwide to solve today's most pressing and complex challenges. For more information, visit worldlearning.org.