Outdoor Learning Lab by Out Teach with Mercedes-Benz USA and NFL Legend Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan, brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz USA and employee volunteers of Mercedes-Benz USA built an outdoor learning lab for Dunbar Elementary School in Atlanta. This was in part of Mercedes-Benz USA’s National Volunteer Week that occurred this whole week (April 17th-21st). The program is also apart of Mercedes’ corporate social responsibility “Driving Your Future”, aims to empower youth by supporting educational programs.

Out Teach which is a national non-profit that’s goal is to help schools teach and learn science into a more efficient and effective way of learning and teaching facilitated this project.

The project was named “Big Dig” and brought together over 140 Mercedes-Benz USA employee volunteers as well as facility from the school. The MBUSA employee volunteers and school faculty worked alongside the Out Teach Staff. The schoolyard was turned into a lab with an earth science station, rainwater harvesters, compost bins, vegetable beds, flower beds, and animal habitats. Teachers will be able to teach students new skills outside of the classroom setting with this new lab, and the space will be used as part of a three-year partnership for teachers.

A few words from those involved:
“We are so excited to bring science to life outdoors at Dunbar Elementary School, and thankful to Mercedes-Benz USA and the Atlanta Public Schools for making it happen. This is an investment that will pay dividends for Dunbar students and teachers, as well as for future employers of science-literate young people.”
(Jeanne McCarty, CEO of Out Teach)

“We are thrilled to work with Out Teach and Matt Ryan to build an outdoor learning STEM classroom where the students of Dunbar Elementary can make scientific discoveries and life-long memories, all while being outside in the fresh air. We are committed to providing Atlanta youth with the tools needed to succeed and look forward to continuing these efforts through Driving Your Future for years to come.”
(Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA)

“Giving back to our youth through these types of events is always an incredible opportunity and brings back core memories of my own time as a student learning outside the classroom. Atlanta has become my family’s home, and we want to make it the best possible city for the future generation, which my own kids are a part of.”
(Matt Ryan, Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback and MBUSA Brand Ambassador)

“Outdoor learning has been shown to boost equity by encouraging participation in science by girls and students from underserved communities. The Out Teach project was emblematic of the public school system’s commitment to reimagine how schools work.”
(Dr. Lisa Nicole Herring, Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools)