rouWhat happened: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin celebrated the grand opening of its new STEAM Lab of Learning at the Headlee Club in West Odessa on Thursday, Feb. 12. The new space is designed for hands-on learning, giving kids access to activities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Community members, supporters, and local leaders attended the ribbon-cutting.

The big picture: The new STEAM Lab provides local students with a safe, engaging environment to explore, build, and create. The flexible space supports the Headlee Club’s 400+ members and is designed to spark curiosity while helping kids build academic confidence.

The lab was made possible through a partnership with OnePoint5, a subsidiary of Occidental focused on carbon capture technologies. Upgrades include fresh paint, a feature wall, modern furnishings, expanded STEM and art supplies, and enhanced technology. It is the second STEAM lab opened by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin.

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Go deeper: The Headlee Club serves students in grades K-12 through affordable after-school programs, with about 120 kids attending daily. Last year, the organization served more than 1,400 young people across Odessa. The Boys and Girls Club is planning additional improvements this spring at its Midland locations, funded by local businesses and student groups.

What they’re saying: Boys and Girls Club leaders said, “designed as a multi-purpose learning environment, the STEAM Lab of Learning will provide hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, while offering a safe and inspiring space for creativity, exploration, and educational growth.”