A Grand Opening for the Future
EastSide Charter Celebrates the Chemours Community STEM Hub
On January 13th, EastSide Charter School proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Chemours Community STEM Hub, marking a historic milestone, years in the making. The event brought together local leaders, faculty, students, parents, and valued partners to honor this transformative moment for our school and community. The new facility is more than just a building—it’s a gateway to opportunity, innovation, and brighter futures for all.
The Chemours Community STEM Hub is a $26 million state-of-the-art facility designed to empower students and community members alike through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. It is a vital component of EastSide’s APEX Honors Program, providing students with unparalleled access to advanced STEM learning tools and resources during the school day. “Delaware is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, and these funds will help ensure that our kids stay part of that bright future,” said Senator Chris Coons, emphasizing the importance of this investment in education.
A Resource for All
Thanks to a partnership with the Wilmington Public Library, the STEM Hub is accessible to the entire community after school, on weekends, and throughout the summer. Library staff ensure that the facility remains a vibrant and welcoming space for lifelong learning and collaboration. Whether it’s hands-on workshops, summer enrichment programs, or workforce training, the STEM Hub is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. "We all know the incredible history and legacy of Wilmington’s EastSide and the young people here who will help lead us into the future," said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. "For me, this project is really about one thing: giving young people the skills they need to be successful in their journey to living their purpose."
The Importance of STEM Education
STEM education equips students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. For the students at EastSide Charter, the Chemours STEM Hub is more than a learning center—it’s a launchpad for their future as innovators, leaders, and changemakers. "The grand opening of the Chemours STEM Hub is not just the grand opening of a building. It’s the opening of a world of possibilities for so many in our city," said Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride. "In today’s rapidly evolving world, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are no longer just subjects taught in schools. They are the foundation of a modern economy, the driving force behind innovation, and the key to unlocking the possibility of a better and more prosperous future."
Celebrating a Vision Come to Life
The Chemours Community STEM Hub is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. It stands as a beacon of hope and progress for EastSide students and residents of Wilmington. This facility is not only shaping the future leaders of tomorrow but also strengthening the bonds of our community today.
As we cut the ribbon on this extraordinary space, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future—one rooted in education, opportunity, and innovation.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
The success of the Chemours Community STEM Hub would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors and partners. We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to empowering the future of our students and community:
The Chemours Company
State of Delaware 152nd General Assembly
State of Delaware 151st General Assembly
Barclays
Longwood Foundation
Redding Consortium
Hon. Sen. Tom Carper, Hon. Sen. Chris Coons & Hon. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester
Crystal Trust
Ellice & Rosa McDonald Foundation
Jim & Jocelyn Stewart
Good Samaritan
Welfare Foundation
Discover Bank
Delaware Curative Workshop
Laffey McHugh Foundation
Donald & Martha DeWees Foundation
Capital One
Thronson Foundation
Crestlea Foundation
Your generosity and vision have made this dream a reality, ensuring that future generations will have access to the tools and education they need to thrive. Thank you for helping us shape the future! For more information check out our recent features in The News Journal, WDEL, and Delaware Public Media.
