Ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Hardin Valley Elementary School in Knoxville, TN
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (November 4, 2025) – The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF), in partnership with Edgewater Federal Solutions, last week held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hardin Valley Elementary School in Knoxville, TN to celebrate the opening of a new state-of-the-art STEM center.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured guest speakers including Ron Ford, Vice President of Growth-Energy at Edgewater Federal Solutions, Tony Beery, OSTI Program Manager at Edgewater Federal Solutions, and other officials.
“Our STEM Centers and resources have been proven to have a meaningful impact on kids from underserved communities, helping guide them toward healthy, successful futures,” said Steve Salem, President and CEO of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. “With the support of generous partners like Edgewater Federal Solutions, we’re able to instill critical problem-solving skills and provide these kids with the tools they need to succeed—and hopefully become the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has developed 26 STEM centers across Tennessee, with this location marking the first built in partnership with Edgewater Federal Solutions.
“Edgewater Federal Solutions is proud to announce its collaboration with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for the official opening of a new STEM center at Hardin Valley Elementary School,” said Ron Ford, Vice President of Growth-Energy, Edgewater Federal Solutions. “This dedicated STEM center has been thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, promote innovation, and encourage students to pursue opportunities within STEM. The new center reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate and equipping young learners with the skills needed to address future challenges.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees toured the STEM room while students explored and tinkered with STEM tools and hands-on coding and electronics activities such as littleBits, Snap Circuits, and more.
“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative, with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, that will bring lasting value to students, educators, and families in our region for years to come,” said Tony Beery, OSTI Program Manager, Edgewater Federal Solutions. “By investing in the communities where our workforce lives and works, Edgewater continues to demonstrate why it’s a leader in supporting not only its employees, but also their families and futures. “
About Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation:
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF) helps to strengthen America’s most underserved and distressed communities by supporting and advocating for children, building Youth Development Parks and STEM Centers, partnering with law enforcement and youth-service agencies, and addressing community needs through its national program initiatives. CRSF has opened over 786 STEM Centers nationwide, gifting children in communities across the country a new access to state-of-the-art technology, hands-on learning experiences, and skill sets essential to the future of STEM.
About Edgewater Federal Solutions:
Edgewater is a venture-capital-backed provider of enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and professional services with a proven track record of excellence supporting federal customers in energy, health, and law enforcement sectors. An eight-time Washington Post Top Workplaces awardee and seven-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, Edgewater maintains CMMC Level 2, CMMI, and ISO certifications. Its motto, “Our People… Your Edge,” reflects the company’s commitment to its employees as its greatest asset. Visit www.EdgewaterIT.com for more information.
Media Contact:
Ellen Appolonia
301-327-0745