KANSAS CITY, MO — With the search for clean energy solutions a major focus of STEM education programs, Black & Veatch has teamed with local Kansas City-based organizations to fund and complete a new solar canopy installation at Operation Breakthrough’s new Ignition Lab. The Ignition Lab will help inspire the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, advance clean energy and provide onsite zero-carbon solar generation.

Operation Breakthrough is a nationally accredited, not-for-profit child and family development center located in Kansas City, Missouri. Every weekday, the center cares for more than 700 children, aged six weeks to 18 years. The Ignition Lab expands Operation Breakthrough’s services to high schoolers, providing 14- to 18-year-olds with opportunities to explore various STEM subjects including energy audits, siting, engineering, drones, graphic design, 3D printing and laser cutting, cyber security/IT, fabrication and construction, coding, and more.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce obtained the space for the Ignition Lab through his foundation, Eighty-Seven & Running. The solar canopy installation at the Ignition Lab was made possible by a consortium team comprised of Black & Veatch, Sun Partners International, JE Dunn, MRIGlobal, and RisingSun Solar.

“It is humbling to collaborate with Operation Breakthrough and others to develop, fund, and complete this exciting new solar project at the Ignition Lab that will positively impact our community for years,” said Keith Small, Black & Veatch Associate Vice President. “The new Ignition Lab provides a comprehensive living laboratory environment for students, furthers STEM education, and creates opportunities to reduce opportunity gaps.”