Sen. Hicks congratulates Wiley Post Elementary on grant award to help children explore STEM through art

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, said she is thrilled that Wiley Post Elementary in Oklahoma City has been awarded a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council that will help combine art and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to fuel children’s imaginations and interest in learning. The grant, awarded by the Oklahoma Arts Council, will allow students to build 3D designs, enhancing their artistic skills while integrating STEM concepts like engineering and spatial reasoning. Hicks congratulated Wiley Post on being selected for the arts grant.

“The arts are so important for the overall education of our children. They encourage creativity, problem-solving skills, and more, which enhances their ability to learn and grow in other academic disciplines,” Hicks said. “To put it simply, being able to explore the world through art can make learning fun, and help our children succeed in school, and in life.”

Sha Bloomer, an art teacher at Wiley Post, applied for the grant and said she is excited to introduce 3D pens and filament into the curriculum, blending creativity with technology. She said the program will inspire innovation and empower students to bring their ideas to life.

“Sha is a wonderful example of the creativity and dedication we see in our public educators for finding new ways to inspire children to learn and flourish. I am so grateful for that talent and hard work, and grateful to the Oklahoma Arts Council for this grant program and the many other outreach programs they offer to enhance the lives of all Oklahomans through the arts,” Hicks said.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov