How MidAmerica’s SmartLab STEM Labs Help Students Build Career-Ready Futures

When students in rural northeastern Oklahoma step into a SmartLab, they enter a space designed to connect classroom learning to real-world careers. A new PEAR report on MidAmerica Industrial Park’s in-school SmartLab STEM program shows significant gains in STEM career knowledge, career interest, and critical skills for the future. These results prove that with the right environment, students can develop the competencies and confidence they need to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.

Why This Partnership Matters

Rural students often face barriers to STEM readiness: fewer resources, limited exposure to technology, and less access to career-connected learning. MidAmerica Industrial Park—Oklahoma’s largest industrial park and home to leading manufacturing, energy, and tech companies—recognized these gaps. Partnering with SmartLab Learning, they created a network of in-school STEM labs that bring industry-relevant, hands-on learning directly into classrooms.

Proven Results from the PEAR Report

PEAR (Partnerships in Education and Resilience) collected data from 610 students in grades 4–12 and nine educators across nine schools. The findings were clear:

• STEM Career Knowledge saw the greatest improvement, a key predictor of pursuing STEM careers.
• Students reported stronger critical thinking, perseverance, and improved relationships with both peers and adults.
• Educators felt more confident, comfortable, and capable leading hands-on STEM experiences.
  

These results align with what industry leaders and educators already know: career readiness is built through engaging, project-based learning that mirrors workplace challenges.

A Model for Other Communities

The MidAmerica SmartLab STEM labs are more than classrooms—they’re a model for how schools and industries can collaborate to prepare students for the jobs of the future. By integrating authentic tools, real-world problem-solving, and professional mentorship into the school day, this partnership is building a talent pipeline for both local employers and the wider economy.

See the Impact for Yourself

Watch the video below to see how MidAmerica’s SmartLab STEM labs inspire students, equip educators, and connect learning to life beyond graduation.

Get the Full Report

The complete PEAR report includes detailed data and insights on how in-school STEM labs drive measurable student growth. Access the full report here and discover how this approach can work in your community.