On Friday, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm® teamed up to host their final ‘Secrets of Science’ event, a special series of STEM events for local students ages six through 12, at the Good Neighbor Club in Lynwood Park in Brookhaven.

Throughout the series, students had exciting opportunities to engage and interact with Hawks players, Mouhamed Gueye, Keaton Wallace, Dyson Daniels, Kobe Bufkin, Terance Mann, and Daeqwon Plowden.

“We are immensely proud that several of our players joined the Secrets of Science series and helped us empower our city’s youth and learn about the vital role that science, technology, engineering, and math play in the world around us,” said Jon Babul, Hawks’ Vice President of Community Impact and Basketball Programs. “These initiatives, in partnership with State Farm, have enriched the educational experience of youth across Atlanta, strengthening their foundational knowledge of STEM as a cornerstone for future success. Our commitment to providing impactful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and cultivate essential life and career skills in an engaging environment remains unwavering.”

Youth were also joined by the team’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, as they learned about science, technology, engineering, and math through a variety of activities. In addition to today’s event, the series took place at three other locations, including Welcome All Park, the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA, and Coan Park. In addition, the students were provided food and received a variety of giveaway items, including STEM-related gifts, a team-branded shirt, a Harry the Hawk Science Super Sticker, and a special slime container with a personalized label.

“Partnering with the Atlanta Hawks to bring STEM programming to our Good Neighbor Clubs helped empower our youth with essential skills, inspire future innovators, and build a stronger community” said Technology Director at State Farm, Shanita Drake. “Together, we can continue to create opportunities that foster curiosity and academic achievement.”

At each of the four events, students participated in hands-on chemistry activities like making slime and exploring the water cycle. These engaging experiences promoted creative learning and refined motor skills in a fun, educational setting.  Students were divided into two groups and guided by the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, a non-profit that promotes learning through play. At the slime station, they discovered how matter transforms by making slime with glue, borax, food coloring, and water. Then, they learned about the water cycle at the cloud station, using food coloring, cotton balls, plastic cups, and paper towels to explore cloud formation.

“We were delighted to partner with the Atlanta Hawks to ignite a passion for chemistry in young learners,” said Children’s Museum of Atlanta Executive Director, Edwin Link. “At Children’s Museum of Atlanta, we believe the best learning happens through play – and who better to make science exciting than world-class athletes? This collaboration brings together the power of hands-on exploration and the thrill of the game, making STEM more accessible, engaging and inspiring for the next generation of innovators.”

Since the launch of the partnership in 2015, the Hawks and State Farm have teamed up to host several STEM-related events to better serve the Metro Atlanta community. In addition, the Hawks and State Farm host the annual Million Meal Pack, the team’s largest service initiative, in which they pack more than one million meals for the Atlanta community. Together, the Hawks and State Farm have opened 11 Good Neighbor Clubs around the metro Atlanta area, which have helped host other events focused on educational learning for hundreds of students.

To learn more about the Hawks’ efforts in the community, visit Hawks.com/community.