McClure is working to fulfill its vision of making lives better in more ways than one. Through the McClure Foundation, McClure is opening doors to STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics – opportunities. McClure has proudly supported the following organizations so far in 2024.
Siouxland Robotics Club brings students from various schools together to work on robotics in a team setting. McClure’s Sioux City office recently hosted the club, offering insight into the engineering profession while students shared how they design, build, and document their robots for competition. The club provides an engaging, hands-on experience for students in robotics.
PACE enhances arts and cultural programs across Southwest Iowa and has recently incorporated STEAM into its initiatives. With funding from the McClure Foundation, PACE will add a 3D printer to its Tech Art program, allowing youth to blend technical skills with creative expression through hands-on learning in art and technology.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (BGCCI) offers STEAM education through a makerspace at the Huskies Club, fostering hands-on learning and critical thinking. The McClure Foundation’s donation supports the Makerspace, allowing youth to engage in creative, problem-solving activities that encourage exploration in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Boys & Girls Club of Siouxland provides at-risk youth with programs like Career Exploration, which uses VR technology to simulate hands-on work experiences. With McClure’s support, the organization expands its STEAM programs to introduce students to various career paths, empowering them to envision and work toward a positive future.
This partnership provides over 1,500 students with a unique opportunity to explore STEAM fields through the “Build My Future Collaboration” event. Supported by McClure, the event offers students hands-on exposure to careers in construction and engineering, helping foster interest and skills in fields vital to community growth.
The McClure Foundation’s support allows Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) to expand FIRST Lego League EXPLORE from one middle school to all ten. This program introduces students to engineering basics and coding, promoting STEM skills and creativity among Iowa’s largest and most diverse student population.
The Columbia Public School District Foundation supports public schools by enhancing academic excellence and expanding learning opportunities for all children. With McClure’s support, the foundation stimulates creativity, enriches the basic curriculum, and encourages business and community involvement in public education.
With a McClure Foundation grant, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden acquired scientific equipment and an educational plant collection. This addition enhances the Garden’s STEAM education programs, giving students hands-on learning experiences with scientific tools like soil moisture meters, chlorophyll meters, and water testing kits, as well as opportunities to interact with plant specimens.
The McClure Foundation’s support of NewBo City Market funds STEAM Saturdays, bringing free STEAM activities to the community. Partnerships with local organizations, including METRO High School and the Iowa Children’s Museum, provide unique, interactive experiences such as a marine life touch tank during EcoFest. This program makes STEAM education accessible to children of all backgrounds, fostering curiosity and learning through hands-on activities.
McClure Foundation’s support for KU Engineers Without Borders enables students to create sustainable engineering solutions for communities in need. With projects ranging from international efforts in Bolivia and Uganda to local and domestic initiatives in Lawrence, Kansas City, Arkansas, and Louisiana, students gain invaluable hands-on engineering experience and develop intercultural communication skills. McClure’s contribution will help cover materials for project implementation and offer partial scholarships for travel teams, making impactful fieldwork possible. By deploying funds before the 2024 academic year, KU Engineers Without Borders can continue its mission of service and skill-building in both global and local communities.
The UMKC Concrete Canoe team benefits from McClure Foundation funding for competition expenses, team-building events, and materials. This experience in concrete mixture design and project management provides civil engineering students with hands-on skills essential for their careers. The team also collaborates with the UMKC ASCE Student Chapter to support local initiatives, strengthening their commitment to community service and professional development.
Trees Forever aims to create a greener world through tree planting initiatives. With McClure’s support, Trees Forever engages volunteers and community members in projects that beautify and improve environmental health, fostering sustainable practices and a sense of environmental stewardship.
Tech Journey inspires central Iowa youth to engage with technology through summer camps and programs like YouthCode and Girls Who Code. With McClure’s backing, Tech Journey provides 3,500 hours of immersive learning, focusing on underrepresented students and offering pathways to explore STEM careers while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology.
With support from the McClure Foundation, Kuemper Catholic School System will acquire a 3D printer for K-6 students, enhancing technology skills and future-readiness. For students in grades 7-12, McClure’s support enables the creation of a makerspace that includes resources like green screens, robotics kits, and a STEAM club, providing hands-on STEAM education that prepares students for careers in these fields.
Junior Achievement’s 5th grade program, supported by the McClure Foundation, helps students understand the free market, innovation, and career readiness. This curriculum includes lessons on work readiness and STEAM careers, fostering essential life skills and helping students prepare for future success in a global economy.
The Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy, supported by McClure, is an immersive summer program for middle and high school students. Hosted at UNH, the academy combines STEAM education with the Black historical experience, teaching molecular biology techniques and introducing students to African heritage. The program provides accessible, hands-on learning in a collegiate environment, encouraging diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
The City of Fort Dodge’s STEAMfest introduces youth to careers in STEAM and emphasizes the connection between creativity and science. Supported by McClure, this annual event fosters innovation and inspires future workforce development by promoting hands-on learning and design thinking.
About McClure
Founded in 1956, McClure has grown to a firm of over 250 professionals in fifteen offices. With a vision of making lives better, McClure brings engineering and development expertise with a collaborative approach to identify the best strategies and solutions to bring our client’s vision to life. We look at every project through the lens of economics by thinking, designing, and building for the future. McClure’s expertise is in guiding clients on making long-term capital investments in the areas of aviation, bridge, community development, construction observation, development, environmental and stormwater, landscape architecture, structural, survey, traffic and safety, transportation, wastewater, and water.