LUSBY, MD — A state-of-the-art STEM Center debuted at Southern Middle School on September 18, 2025, marking a significant collaboration between Constellation’s Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. The initiative, designed to inspire Calvert County students in science, technology, engineering, and math, transforms a classroom into an interactive hub for hands-on learning in coding, robotics, and 3D printing. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by students, educators, and community members, celebrated the culmination of months of effort to create a space that fosters innovation and prepares young minds for future careers.
The project began in June when Constellation awarded a $40,000 grant to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to fund the STEM Center’s development. An additional $5,000 grant went directly to Southern Middle School for classroom supplies and enhancements. Employees and interns from Calvert Cliffs, located just miles from the school in Lusby, contributed hands-on work, assembling equipment, painting, and setting up the space. This direct involvement reflects Constellation’s commitment to supporting the community that surrounds Maryland’s largest producer of emission-free energy, capable of generating 1,790 megawatts to power over 1.3 million homes.
“This project provided a great opportunity to give back to the youth of our local community,” said CJ Smith, Plant Manager at Calvert Cliffs. “These are students who will one day make up our very workforce here at the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center. We hope the new STEM Center will provide a unique and exceptional learning experience for students now and for years to come.”
The STEM Center aligns with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s mission, established in 2001 to support at-risk youth through mentorship and STEM education. The foundation, honoring the legacy of the Baltimore Orioles coach, emphasizes character-building and opportunity creation. “At the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore, create and dream big,” said Joe Rossow, Executive Vice President, STEM and Measurement Outcomes. “The new STEM Center, made possible through the generous support of Constellation, will open doors for students to develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
Southern Middle School, serving approximately 440 students in grades 6-8 within Calvert County Public Schools, now boasts a dedicated space for hands-on learning. The curriculum focuses on robotics, coding, and 3D printing, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills aim to spark interest in STEM careers, particularly relevant in a region where industries like clean energy thrive. “Our Southern Middle School community appreciates this opportunity provided by district partners, Constellation and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation,” said Assistant Principal Willanette Thomas-Lohr. “The STEM Center will be a valuable resource to our teachers and students for years to come. I am grateful for a dedicated area of our school that will allow our students to explore and connect to their learning, and challenge their creativity.”
Southern Middle School, located at 9615 H G Trueman Road in Lusby, is part of a district recognized for academic excellence, with recent data showing 85% of middle school students meeting or exceeding state standards in math and science. The STEM Center enhances this foundation, offering tools that align with Maryland’s Next Generation Science Standards, which emphasize inquiry-based learning. The space is equipped with modern technology, including 3D printers and robotics kits, designed to make STEM accessible and engaging for young learners.
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has established over 100 STEM Centers nationwide, impacting more than 1 million youth since its inception. In Maryland, where STEM jobs are projected to grow by 10% through 2030, such initiatives are critical for workforce development. Constellation’s involvement extends its community engagement, building on its role as a leader in clean energy. The Calvert Cliffs facility, operational since 1975, employs over 800 workers and supports local programs through grants and volunteerism, contributing $1.2 billion annually to Maryland’s economy.
The STEM Center’s opening reflects broader trends in Southern Maryland, where partnerships between schools and industries are bridging educational gaps. Similar efforts, like the College of Southern Maryland’s robotics programs, have increased student enrollment in STEM courses by 15% over the past five years. The new center at Southern Middle School is poised to inspire students like those who participated in the ribbon-cutting, who demonstrated early projects using the classroom’s tools. Teachers will integrate the space into daily lessons, offering projects that simulate real-world challenges, such as designing sustainable energy models, a nod to Calvert Cliffs’ mission.
As the school year progresses, the STEM Center will host workshops and after-school programs, ensuring broad access. The collaboration between Constellation and the Ripken Foundation sets a model for how corporate and nonprofit partnerships can transform education in Southern Maryland, where community ties and local pride run deep.
