Partnerships make great things happen – and that’s certainly true with Shepherd Community Center’s many outstanding partners.

Take, for instance, the partnership among Cummins Inc., Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Learn Fresh this summer during the WNBA All-Star events in Indianapolis.

Cummins, the Pacers and Learn Fresh came together to organize a hands-on learning experience for 75 elementary and middle school students, including several from Shepherd.

The students participated in a Math Hoops Live game that helps to strengthen math skills while promoting fitness through physical play. They also built models of Cummins engines using Lego kits to teach basic mechanics and problem-solving.

In addition, the students received free tickets to a fan interactive event, WNBA Live, as well as all-star merchandises and T-shirts.

The goals of the event were to promote science, technology, engineering and math skills and to have fun.

By all accounts, both goals were met and exceeded.

“Our purpose is really to get them excited about STEM, to get them excited about the WNBA, and maybe in the future they’ll even think about pursuing a career in STEM.” Danette Howard, Global Education Director, Corporate Responsibility at Cummins Inc. said about the event.

Partnerships like this one provide students and their families with opportunities that Shepherd couldn’t offer on its own.

To learn how your church, business or nonprofit can partner with Shepherd to serve our neighbors, visit shepherdcommunity.org