ROCKINGHAM, NC (July 31, 2025) – Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is thrilled to announce an expanded partnership with Vulcan Materials Company that will bring nearly 450 fourth-grade students from Richmond County Schools to the museum for a hands-on, immersive STEM learning experience.

With Vulcan’s generous support, every fourth-grade class in the county will have an opportunity to go on a free field trip to Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. During their visit, students will explore interactive exhibits and participate in Vulcan Rock Stars, a special geology-focused class designed by Discovery Place educators to bring classroom learning to life.

“This partnership opens the door to meaningful learning opportunities for children across our community, inspiring them to dream bigger, grow their curiosity and see themselves in the future of STEM,” said Dr. Nikole (Nikki) L. Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “We are deeply grateful for Vulcan’s commitment to empowering the next generation of learners in Richmond County.”

The students’ field trip experience will continue with a visit to Vulcan’s Rockingham quarry facility, where students and teachers will get a firsthand look at how STEM principles apply in the real world and can lead to rewarding careers in the local community.

Since 1969, the Rockingham Quarry has safely and responsibly produced construction aggregates. These products are necessary to build the region’s roads, bridges, homes, hospitals, schools, office buildings and places of worship.

“Supporting earth science education is a core component in Vulcan’s community outreach programs. Our facilities can serve as an exciting classroom for students and partnering with Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham and its amazing staff is an opportunity to continue our many years of educational outreach into the community,” said Elliott Botzis, Vice President & General Manager at Vulcan.

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership between us and Vulcan Materials and Discovery Place Kids,” said Dr. Kate Smith, Richmond County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction. “This collaboration throughout the school year will allow an enriching opportunity for our fourth grade students and teachers to explore the world of rocks and minerals through hands-on learning… both in the classroom and in the field. Experiences like these not only deepen academic understanding but will also spark curiosity for our students. We graciously thank our community partners for investing in our students’ futures!”

In February, Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham celebrated 12 years of serving the community. Recently renovated to provide new, compelling experiences for a wider age range of children, the Museum welcomes more than 30,000 visitors annually.

The Museum’s expanded exhibits highlight local industry in and around Rockingham—including a Vulcan Quarry exhibit and four science research stations exploring astronomy, weather, nature and underground. The Museum’s renovations have inspired generations of young learners and expanded the age range served with experiences geared toward older elementary and younger middle school students. 

Discovery Place Kids Circle Corporate Sponsorship Program
Vulcan is part of the new Discovery Place Kids Circle, a sponsorship initiative for companies that believe in the power of science, imagination and lifelong learning to transform lives. This program is designed to deepen community engagement and create a growing network of formal and informal learning opportunities that benefit families, donors and the wider community.

The Discovery Place Kids Circle also serves as a pathway for others to get involved, inviting like-minded organizations to invest in the future of the next generation of curious thinkers and problem-solvers.

Images for media use are available here. 

About Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham  
Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is one of four distinct museum experiences within the network of Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and hub for STEM education and exploration in the Carolinas. Discovery Place Kids believes in the power of learning by doing—encouraging children to explore their world, test new ideas and develop fine and large motor skills. This hands-on approach deepens children’s understanding of the world and boosts their self-confidence. For more information about Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham, visit https://dpkidsrockingham.org/. 
 
About Vulcan Materials Company 
Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates—primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel—and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. Our coast-to-coast footprint and strategic distribution network align with and serve the nation’s growth centers.  For more information, visit www.vulcanmaterials.com.