City News

The Saban Center, a first-of-its-kind campus seamlessly merging STEM and the arts, has proudly announced a major partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), particularly through its National Water Center, to enhance water literacy and promote STEM education across Alabama. 

This collaboration with the NOAA National Water Center aims to deepen the understanding of the vital role water resources play in sustaining society and powering industries, while also addressing the challenges posed by weather and water extremes. By combining efforts, the Saban Center and the National Water Center aim to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and environmental stewards.

Edward Clark, director of NOAA’s National Water Center and Office of Water Prediction’s deputy director, highlighted the synergy between the two organizations, stating, “The National Water Center is excited to partner with the Saban Center. Not only will this help us advance NOAA’s goals of providing greater environmental stewardship and water literacy, but it will present a unique opportunity to elevate STEM and the arts in our community.”   

The partnership will focus on educating K-12 students about the water cycle and encouraging careers in water resource sciences and engineering. These efforts are geared toward nurturing young individuals interested in pursuing education and careers in natural resources, fostering early curiosity and commitment to environmental sustainability.

“We are proud to call Tuscaloosa home and eager to bolster the community through opportunities like the Saban Center,” Clark said. 

NOAA’s commitment to understanding water through the National Water Center is crucial for various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, power generation and manufacturing, all dependent on reliable water resources. This joint endeavor will take a comprehensive approach to studying water’s significance in our communities, exploring both the opportunities it presents and the risks it poses.

Audrey Buck, director of the Saban Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “It is an honor to join forces with NOAA and align our mission with their vast expertise and resources. Their support and dedication to sustainability are vital in shaping the future of STEM education in West Alabama and will significantly influence our approach to integrating the arts and science.”

To learn more about the Saban Center, visit www.sabancenter.org.

ABOUT THE SABAN CENTER

The Saban Center is a first-of-its-kind STEM campus where education, experience and innovation meet. It will include our community partners, Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and Ignite, formerly Children’s Hands-On Museum, plus public-private educational partnerships across Alabama. The Saban Center will be a hub for education training, arts participation and academic support for teachers and families alike.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a science-based federal agency within the Department of Commerce with regulatory, operational and information service responsibilities with a presence in every state and our territories. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources.