Last week, Science Mill presented Gerardo Castillo and the Ashbritt Foundation with a plaque, thanking them for donating more than $150,000 to provide Victoria ISD with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) summer camps since 2019.
Bonnie Baskin, founder of Science Mill, and Bob Elde, interim CEO of Science Mill, presented the plaque to Castillo with VISD’s entire Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability department, Superintendent Quintin Shepherd, Administration from Stroman STEM academy, Office of Innovation staff, faculty who worked the STEM summer camps, and students who participated in the summer camps all in attendance.
Castillo and AshBritt Environmental first came to the area during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey as the debris removal and disaster response contractor for the City of Victoria and Victoria County.
“One of the key goals of our company is to always be able to give back to a community where we work and serve and the community”, Castillo said. “Victoria was one of those where we came and helped recover after the hurricane and part of what we wanted to do was find a meaningful way to give back to the community. The Science Mill was that avenue so we could do that. We knew we could make an investment into a long-term benefit for the youth of this community.”
The AshBritt Foundation has donated to Victoria ISD since 2019, giving the district the continuous opportunity to annually provide free, week-long STEM summer camps through the Science Mill. The week-long camp is a STEM Career Immersion experience where VISD students make, create and solve problems utilizing skills and equipment needed for the 21st century.
“The Science Mill is a true partner in the education of our students at Victoria ISD. Their commitment to our community and generosity of spirit have allowed for countless opportunities for our students to discover their ‘&’”, said Dr. Shepherd.
AshBritt’s Innovative Emergency Management (IEM) Health most recently opened the COVID-19 antibody infusion center in Victoria in September 2021.
About AshBritt
AshBritt is a national turnkey rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor. Since its inception in 1992, AshBritt has managed and executed more than 230 disaster recovery missions and numerous special environmental projects.
About Science Mill
The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).