Fifth graders inspire their school with paint

Cox Communications was joined recently by San Juan Capistrano Mayor Sergio Farias, Sen. Pat Bates, Assemblyman Bill Brough and Operation Clean Slate to dedicate a STEAM-focused mural at Del Obispo Elementary School in San Juan Capistrano that was painted by more than 40 fifth graders in one day. The mural was created to help inspire and encourage students and more girls to become interested in a career in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math).

According to a 2017 report by the Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, women filled 47 percent of all jobs in 2015, but held only 24 percent of STEM jobs.

“In an effort to inspire more young people, especially young women, to pursue STEAM-based professions, Cox is proud to sponsor this mural for Del Obispo," said Chanelle Hawken, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for Cox Communications. “Cox has a long history of supporting education, dating back to our founder, James M. Cox, who was a school teacher. We hope that, as students walk by the mural every day, it will encourage them to consider a career in STEAM.”

For more than 20 years, Operation Clean Slate has involved students in the creation of colorful murals that beautify school campuses and communities. The painted images contain positive, and educational messages to promote topics such as good nutrition and healthy eating, wellness, pedestrian safety, drug prevention, fitness and water conservation.

"This project marks Operation Clean Slate’s 1,200th mural,” Operation Clean Slate Executive Director Michael Howard told students during the dedication ceremony. “We are proud to partner with companies like Cox Communications to create murals that encourage and inspire students.”

The Del Obispo Elementary mural is the first of five murals being sponsored in South Orange County by Cox Communications through Operation Clean Slate.