Education Outreach, driven by Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, brings STEM curriculum-based education programs into classrooms
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Traveling on the roads connecting the regions of South Carolina, you may spot a new van donning Aquarium waves and excited educators inside. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, South Carolina Aquarium Education Outreach has a new eSprinter to bring the wonder of water, wildlife and wild places to communities near and far.
Education Outreach, driven by Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, brings STEM curriculum-based education programs into classrooms, libraries and more statewide. Program participants have opportunities for hands-on animal interactions — like touching a sea star, feeling the spines of a sea urchin or seeing a hermit crab emerge from a shell — paired with an exciting science lesson.
Last week, the Aquarium took their new eSprinter on its inaugural journey to bring outreach programs to several elementary school classrooms in celebration of World Ocean Month.
“Having the opportunity to bring the Aquarium into classrooms across the state is so fulfilling,” says Meghan Galipeau, education outreach coordinator at the South Carolina Aquarium. “Seeing students of all ages beam with excitement to meet an animal up-close and witnessing firsthand their curiosity about the natural world intensify is the reason we have Education Outreach. We don’t want location to limit someone’s access to water, wildlife and wild places. It’s my hope that these experiences inspire students to become the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Mercedez-Benz Vans Charleston has been a longstanding Aquarium partner, having given generous contributions to support their work in sea turtle conservation and education programming. With their recent gift of this all-electric eSprinter — one of the first of its kind in the nation — the Aquarium has a transportation method for a cornerstone education program that keeps the environment top of mind as well.
Education Outreach, driven by Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston
“Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is proud to be a partner with the South Carolina Aquarium and their mission to bring the wonders of the ocean directly into classrooms. Together, we aim to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will strive to protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystems for generations to come,” says Axel Bense, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston.
About the South Carolina Aquarium:
The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s No.1 family attraction, is home to more than 5,000 animals, from river otters and sharks to sea turtles and shorebirds, and represents the rich biodiversity of our state — from the mountains to the sea. Visitors can also get an inside look at the Sea Turtle Care Center™, a working hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. While fulfilling its mission to promote education, conservation, and an exceptional visitor experience, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. The Aquarium is open seven days a week with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and a half day on December 24 (open 9 a.m.–noon). Annual Aquarium membership with unlimited visits starts at $99. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit scaquarium.org.
About Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston:
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (“MBV”) is a Ladson, South Carolina based production entity that produces Sprinter as well as eSprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC has invested more than 500 million U.S. Dollars in the new Sprinter plant, which officially opened in 2018. Today, the MBV facility provides more than 1,700 jobs and supports at least 600 additional jobs in the region through its suppliers. Representing an additional nearly $60 million investment, MBV Charleston was selected to be the first plant in the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network to produce the all-new eSprinter, which began production in January 2024. Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston also continues investing in the local community with over $1,900,000 dollars donated to local non-profits & schools via STEM programs since 2006 and over 900 volunteer hours.
Since 2006, more than 350,000 Sprinter and Metris vans have been assembled in North Charleston and delivered to destinations across the U.S. In 2021, the plant celebrated its 15-year legacy of SKD production in South Carolina. 2023 marked a plant milestone with a record-setting over 50,000 vans produced. The U.S. is the second largest market for Sprinter vans after Germany.