The Chemours Community STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School is an Investment in Student Growth

On January 13, 2025, EastSide Charter School in Wilmington, DE, unveiled its new modern $26 million STEM Hub. The Chemours Community STEM Hub represents a new investment in creating opportunities, advancing workforce development, and addressing systemic inequities in STEM education.

The Chemours Community STEM Hub is integral to EastSide's APEX Honors Program, providing students with advanced tools to explore subjects like engineering, coding, renewable energy, and robotics. Boasting 41,000 square feet of modern amenities — including computer and science labs, maker spaces, classrooms, and an esports arena — this facility is more than a building; it's a launchpad for innovation.

"The grand opening of the Chemours STEM Hub is not just the grand opening of a building," said Congresswoman Sarah McBride. “It's the opening of a world of possibilities for so many in our city. In today's rapidly evolving world, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are no longer just subjects taught in schools. They are the foundation of a modern economy, the driving force behind innovation, and the key to unlocking the possibility of a better and more prosperous future.”

A Community Resource Beyond the Classroom

The impact of the Chemours STEM Hub extends well beyond EastSide Charter School. Thanks to a partnership with the Wilmington Public Library, the facility is open to the public after school, on weekends, and throughout the summer. Residents can access workforce training, health services through Westside Family Healthcare, and STEM-related workshops and programs. This holistic approach ensures that the hub is a vibrant, accessible space for lifelong learning and community development.

One of the hub's standout features is a three-year pilot program designed to prepare individuals for roles in the life sciences sector. With $2.1 million in federal funding secured for this initiative, the program offers training that can lead to high-paying jobs in STEM fields. EastSide Charter CEO Aaron Bass highlighted the program's transformative potential: “Now we're able to answer that workforce development question. For the community, it's even more amazing, because now anybody can walk in off the street and get a job in STEM and get training. That opens up the opportunity to get a job at $60,000 a year with companies. That's unique.”

Addressing Inequities Through Education

EastSide Charter School, located in Wilmington's predominantly Black Riverside community, serves a student population where 65% are considered low-income. The Chemours STEM Hub directly responds to the systemic inequities that have historically limited access to high-quality STEM education.

The facility's innovative curriculum and cutting-edge resources enable students to explore STEM careers that were previously out of reach. From 3D printing to chemistry labs, students now have access to experiences that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills—key attributes for the workforce of tomorrow.

Building a Better Wilmington

The Chemours Community STEM Hub is a testament to what can be achieved when public, private, and community partners unite around a shared vision. Corporate support from Chemours, Barclays, and other Delaware companies, combined with state and federal funding, brought this vision to life. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of investing in education and workforce development to uplift communities.

"We all know the incredible history and legacy of Wilmington's EastSide and the young people here who will help lead us into the future," said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. "For me, this project is really about one thing: giving young people the skills they need to be successful in their journey to living their purpose." With its focus on STEM education, workforce training, and community access, the Chemours STEM Hub stands as a beacon of hope and progress for Wilmington's East Side and beyond.

As EastSide Charter School celebrates this historic milestone, the Wilmington community can take pride in the opportunities this facility will create. Together, we are paving the way for a more equitable, innovative, and prosperous future—one student, one family, and one community at a time.

Wilmington Office of Economic Development

The Wilmington Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to creating a dynamic economy by supporting businesses of all sizes, attracting new investment, and creating job opportunities for residents. The OED promotes retail, commercial, cultural, and educational development through strategic initiatives while providing essential resources for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. By facilitating access to training, technical assistance, and key market opportunities, the OED strengthens Wilmington’s business environment and ensures long-term economic success for the community.

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