Caterpillar Foundation Donates $2.3M to Smithsonian for STEM Education

The Caterpillar Foundation has donated $2.3 million to the Smithsonian Institution to support STEM education programming in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Over three years, the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) will use the funds to provide professional development and hands-on teaching resources for educators in 40 communities across 21 states. The initiative includes creating an AI-focused learning guide and delivering virtual training for teachers nationwide. The donation also enables the expansion of the newly launched Smithsonian STEAM Schools of Distinction program, which supports middle and high schools integrating STEAM education systemically.