Caldwood and Curtis Elementary Schools are next in line to receive a Cardinal NEST
The Young Men’s Business League has donated funds totaling $15,000 for the construction and ribbon cutting of a Cardinal NEST at Caldwood Elementary. YMBL board members Mike Bihm, Jay Johnson, Sal Guerrero, Bill Collins and Harvey Zernial joined LU President Jaime Taylor and LU assistant to the president Norman Bellard and LU Community Relations, Economic Development and Student Access Executive Director Teresa Simpson for the check presentation in fall of 2021. 
“The YMBL is excited to bring this opportunity to Caldwood,” said Johnson, YMBL President. “We are excited to serve as volunteers to work with Lamar and provide student access opportunities creating a college going culture in our community.”
Curtis Elementary is the final BISD campus to build a Cardinal NEST, sponsored by LU alum Susan Conn McCurry and Roger McCurry, who also sponsored the Cardinal NEST at Regina-Howell. “My team has many great goals and an amazing vision for the Cardinal NEST,” said Cheryl Tripplett, Curtis Principal.
NEST labs allow underserved students to experiment with robotics, coding and 3D printing while providing a safe and unique space to exercise creativity. Each lab includes state-of-the-art technology like clear touch, multi-touch panels with tilting stands and computers loaded with STEAM-related software and virtual reality programs and equipment.
“The vision began with former LU First Lady Nancy Evans, Norman Bellard, LU Assistant to the President, and Dr. Anita Frank, BISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education,” said Simpson. “The designated reading space for supporting BISD elementary students has evolved into what is now known as the Cardinal NEST, the innovative learning space that sparks and enhances the love of learning for our students.”
With the announcement for Caldwood and Curtis Elementary, all twelve eligible Beaumont ISD elementary campuses have now been sponsored to offer a Cardinal NEST through Lamar University and BISD business partnerships. All Cardinal NESTs are scheduled to open this spring.