MGM Resorts Funds STEM Educator Professional Development Trainings

At the end of 2023, the DRI STEM Education Program received generous funding from MGM Resorts International to host four STEM Co-Lab teacher trainings in southern Nevada. The first training, which took place in January at the southern Nevada DRI STEM Co-lab, focused on the use of photon robots in K-12 classrooms to teach coding. 22 educators attended this training. The second training, Introduction to Hydroponics, was hosted in early March. In addition to the basics of hydroponic growing and seed germination, this session covered integrating STEM, financial literacy, health, and conservation in the classroom. 28 educators attended the March training.

Educators working with a laptop on the floor next to a large map where they are guiding robots on a path.

Each training provides the educator-participants with three continuing education credits and transportation stipends are available to ensure financial accessibility. With the goal of reaching 100 teachers in 2024, the STEM Co-Lab professional development trainings raise educator confidence in STEM pedagogy, address education gaps, and provide countless Nevada students with the STEM skills necessary to thrive in today’s technology driven world.

Thank you to MGM Resorts International and our STEM Education team for helping DRI bring science that matters now to Nevada’s K-12 classrooms.

To support STEM education efforts at DRI or learn more about current programs, please click the link below:

Science Alive – DRI

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March 19, 2024

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DRI Foundation | Educators | STEM

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Legacy of Education and Community Support Lives On Through Gallifent Endowment at DRI

May 11, 2026

The DRI Foundation is honored to announce that DRI recently received a generous donation from the estate of Elizabeth “Betty” Gallifent for the Betty & John Gallifent endowment. The Gallifent Endowment provides essential unrestricted support to advance DRI strategic priorities, such as the Innovation Research Program (IRP). The IRP provides essential seed funding for early-stage research projects at DRI, allowing DRI scientists to test promising ideas and build the initial data needed to secure larger state and federal grants. We are grateful to Betty and John, as well as Betty’s family, for the Gallifent’s continued generosity to DRI. The Gallifent Endowment will provide essential support to DRI for generations to come.

With Help from Nevada Foundations and Community Partners, DRI is Bringing High-Quality, Hands-On STEM Learning to Nevada’s Schools

Apr 14, 2026

This April, we are celebrating STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – at DRI. Both the STEM Education Program and Nevada Robotics are dedicated to ensuring that Nevada educators are empowered to bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning to their classrooms and that every Nevada student has the confidence and skills to thrive in our technology driven world. Community support plays a critical role in helping both programs fulfill their missions.

Remembering the Legacy of Sue Wagner, Long-Time DRI Supporter and Pioneering Woman in Nevada Politics

Mar 18, 2026

Sue Wagner built the foundation for state support for DRI. She joined the staff of DRI in 1981 and served as Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs for nine years, and ending when she was elected Lieutenant Governor. One of her major achievements at DRI was shepherding of special legislation through the U.S. Congress to establish the DRI Dandini Research Park. Sue remained active in local and state politics and continued to play a role in supporting promising scientists from DRI and beyond.