Orlando Science Center is dedicated to serving as a resource for students and teachers throughout our region. It acts as a hub for STEM education to share its mission to inspire science learning for all. OSC’s Education team recently launched an outreach program that brings hands-on STEM learning to teachers and schools in rural areas. The OSC team facilitated professional development for 23 teachers from Highlands, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, DeSoto and Hardee Counties. During the educator professional development workshop, elementary teachers were trained on key science principles and standards with a special emphasis on science and math concepts that are challenging for students. OSC equips teachers with the tools and strategies necessary to implement effective hands-on lessons that fuel STEM education. At the end of the workshop, educators received a materials kit with supplies that would allow them to implement the activities in their own classrooms. Many teachers shared their thoughts on the workshop. One of them said, “Training was great. Loved all the hands-on activities and that they sent us home with all the materials to replicate them in our classrooms.” This program aims to increase access to high-quality STEM programs for rural areas and improve state test scores through both direct student contact and teacher support. The program focuses on technology-driven, inquiry-based learning experiences that highlight how STEM fields are solving real-world challenges. To date, this program has reached 766 students, all from Hardee County. There are currently programs scheduled for Okeechobee, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Lake and Osceola counties later this Spring. Through initiatives like OSC’s rural education outreach program, students are engaged and inspired while teachers receive valuable training and resources.