Boeing ‘wings’ to STEM talent in Texas

Article posted by Coliseum, January 26^th, 2023

Image: ASM Global

An innovative new partnership between the leading global aerospace company Boeing and the Kelly Heritage Foundation – an educational nonprofit organization affiliated with Port San Antonio, on whose behalf the world’s leading venue management company ASM Global manages the Tech Port Center + Arena (3,100-capacity concert hall) in San Antonio, Texas, US) – will expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning and workforce development across South Texas.

‘ASM Global’ stated that the seven-year partnership and $2.3 million investment will strengthen the region’s STEM talent and enhance programing supported by the foundation, including those developed by the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT), headquartered at the Port’s tech campus. In addition to this investment, Boeing has entered into a separate agreement with the ASM Global to rename the Tech Port Center + Arena, a 130,000-square-foot multipurpose exhibition center, as the Boeing Center at Tech Port.

As a leading global aerospace company, Arlington, Virginia (US)-based Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top United States exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Within Texas, Boeing employs more than 5,730 employees and has an estimated economic impact of $1.6 billion. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

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The Kelly Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit created to preserve and promote the long, rich history of Kelly (an unincorporated community n Collin County, Texas) and the community.

The Port San Antonio is a public entity created to redevelop some of the land formerly occupied by the Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, US. The Port is a vast 1,900-acre technology-innovation campus. It is home to a growing array of employers -including globally renowned industry names and a growing number of locally headquartered startups – focused on advancing new technologies in aerospace, cybersecurity, defense, space exploration, robotics, and other advanced technologies.

Organizations at the Port directly employ over 16,000 people from across the region, yielding a regional economic impact of over $5.6 billion annually. In 2022, the Port became a member of the Association of University Research Parks (the world’s largest association of research and science parks in Tucson, Arizona).

Los Angeles (US)-based ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

ASM Global CEO and President Ron Bension said, “The newly anointed Boeing Center at Tech Port is the only place on earth where entertainment and education intersect in such a bold fashion. Innovators of all ages will connect and create the technologies of the future in dedicated ideation labs and coworking spaces, among other offerings in the facility. And thrill-seekers will light up the Boeing Center at Tech Port, which will host premier e-sports and live entertainment events.”

Stated Greg Abbott, Texas Governor, during a ceremony held on January 24^th at SAMSAT in Texas announcing the partnership, “Developing a highly skilled, diverse workforce for tomorrow requires an investment in one of Texas’ most valuable assets – students throughout our communities. I’m thankful for Boeing’s commitment to our State and can’t wait to see the next generation benefit from STEM educational experiences that will result from this partnership.”

‘ASM Global’ further stated that for more than 20 years, Boeing’s aircraft maintenance and modernization operation has been growing at the Port – just a few hundred feet from the Boeing Center at Tech Port – furthering its support of an array of military and commercial aircrafts.

The Kelly Heritage Foundation’s support of programing will focus on developing skills that are key to the aerospace and space exploration industries, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), three-dimensional printing, virtual reality (VR), cybersecurity, visual sensors, and more.

As part of its continued role in the community, Boeing also entered into a separate seven-year agreement directly with the ASM Global to sponsor the Port’s 130,000-square-foot multipurpose exhibition center now known as the Boeing Center at Tech Port.

Added Port President and head honcho Jim Perschbach, “From the start, our goal has been to find innovative ways to support San Antonio’s development into one of the premier technology communities in the nation. The Boeing Center at Tech Port significantly furthers our momentum by adding exciting and engaging aerospace-focused learning experiences. We’re thankful that a leading global name in aerospace like Boeing is further growing its deep roots in our community.”

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