FRISCO, Texas – The FC Dallas Foundation, Frisco Independent School District and the National Soccer Hall of Fame formally launched STEAM FC powered by NEC today with the dedication of an FC Dallas Foundation’s mini-pitch sponsored by CoServ and Southern New Hampshire University.
STEAM FC is an educational, one-day field trip program developed in conjunction with Frisco ISD that is available to all sixth grade students within the district. The curriculum focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics principles through soccer.
“Our family and the FC Dallas Foundation are committed to promoting education and a healthy lifestyle for young people in North Texas,” said FC Dallas Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. “STEAM FC powered by NEC transforms the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Toyota Stadium into an interactive classroom giving Frisco ISD students the chance to learn in fun and engaging ways.”
Sixth-grade students from each of FISD’s 17 middle schools will visit the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Toyota Stadium to participate in four stations highlighting STEAM principles relating to soccer:
- Classroom Lesson - students have their choice of one of three lessons focusing on careers in sports, physics in soccer and marketing a soccer team
- Movement Lab – an opportunity to focus on sports science as well as the health and wellness aspects associated with STEAM subjects
- National Soccer Hall of Fame Experience – students will learn how the NSHOF incorporates NEC technology to deliver the most personalized experience in sports
- Toyota Stadium Tour - an all-access tour of FC Dallas’ home showcasing how STEAM principles are used in a stadium setting
“Our students need real-world insight and experiences to ensure their learning is not only relevant and meaningful but also applicable to their lives once they leave us,” said Frisco ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mike Waldrip. “This partnership gives sixth graders the opportunity to explore soccer in new ways and see how STEAM principles are applied in sports and business settings.”
STEAM FC students will use the newly-built FC Dallas Foundation Field as part of the Movement Lab program in the STEAM FC curriculum. The mini-pitch, which is sponsored by CoServ and Southern New Hampshire University, is the eighth field the FC Dallas Foundation has built.
The STEAM FC program officially begins with visits from Wester Middle School students on October 8 and 9.
About the FC Dallas Foundation
Formed in 2010, the FC Dallas Foundation’s mission is to promote healthy, active lifestyles for underserved youth in North Texas. The Foundation focuses on three pillars: Healthy Lifestyle, Character Building and Education.
The FC Dallas Foundation operates a number of initiatives from which athletes across North Texas benefit every day. The Foundation has teamed with corporate partners to build eight soccer pitches in Dallas, Denton and Collin counties worth more than $1.2 million. The Foundation also fields a Special Olympics team, awards scholarships, builds STEAM labs and, through the Gear Up Project, collects new and gently-used soccer gear from organizations, teams, clubs and individuals to distribute them to help underserved youth enjoy soccer.
About FC Dallas
An original member of Major League Soccer since its inception in 1996, FC Dallas is owned and operated by Hunt Sports Group. The professional team plays its regular season from March to October at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. FC Dallas won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2016.
About the National Soccer Hall of Fame
The National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium opened to the public on November 2, 2018 after calling Oneonta, NY its home from 1983 through 2010.
The Hall of Fame marries artifacts and technology such as facial recognition power by NEC and virtual reality to deliver the most personalized experience in sports.
The 2019 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is Saturday, September 21. Former U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati and U.S. Women’s National Team forward Abby Wambach will become the 303rd and 304th individuals, respectively, enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
About Frisco Independent School District
Frisco Independent School District is one of the fastest growing public school districts in the nation with new students joining the District every day from across Texas, the nation and the world. Stretching 75 square miles in Collin and Denton counties, Frisco ISD serves most of the City of Frisco and portions of neighboring Plano, McKinney and Little Elm, enrolling more than 62,000 students in 10 high schools, 17 middle schools, 42 elementary schools and 3 special programs schools. Many families choose to call Frisco ISD home due to its outstanding reputation for academic excellence, innovative programs and wealth of extracurricular opportunities and experiences. With the support of parents and the community, leaders remain committed to creating small, personalized learning environments, as evidenced by the District’s mission to know every student by name and need.
About NEC Corporation of America
NEC Corporation of America (NEC) is a leading technology integrator providing solutions that improve the way people work and communicate. NEC delivers integrated Solutions for Society that are aligned with our customers' priorities to create new value for people, businesses and society, with a special focus on safety, security and efficiency. We deliver one of the industry's strongest and most innovative portfolios of communications, analytics, security, biometrics and technology solutions that unleash customers' productivity potential. Through these solutions, NEC combines its best-in-class solutions and technology, and leverages a robust partner ecosystem to solve today's most complex business problems. NEC Corporation of America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, a global technology leader with a presence in 160 countries and $25 billion in revenues.
About NEC Foundation of America
NEC Foundation of America's mission is to contribute to the creation of social value and help advance human potential through technology and innovative giving programs.
About CoServ
Established in 1937 as Denton County Electric Cooperative Inc., CoServ is based in Corinth, Texas, and provides safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions to more than 250,000 electric and natural gas customers in Collin, Denton and five other North Texas counties. CoServ belongs to the communities we serve because we were built by them.
About Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 86-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 130,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers over 300 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH.
Recognized as the "Most Innovative" regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.
