Ball Aerospace recently celebrated its 60th anniversary of being in Boulder, and we can’t say enough about its impact in Colorado and beyond. As one of the state’s top technology corporations, Ball has contributed enormously to not only the local economy and science and technology communities, but also to the country’s advancements in the aerospace industry as a whole. Here are some of the reasons why we want to give this pillar of our community a shout-out.
Economic Impact
Since its founding in 1956, Ball has employed about 2,300 employees across Colorado, making it one of the area’s largest employers. It is also a critical partner to many of the state’s public and private institutions, including a long and fruitful relationship with the University of Colorado. Last month, the University of Colorado Boulder and Ball announced a new five-year Master University Research Agreement between the two organizations, which will facilitate and streamline opportunities for students and faculty to work with Ball to carry out sponsored research, contribute to Ball’s talent pipeline, and partner on projects.
Community Leader
Ball is active in not only the existing science and technology communities, but also leads the way in developing new STEM leaders by supporting a talent pipeline with neighboring universities and schools. Its employees frequently serve as guest speakers in schools, using fun and educational kits and materials to pique everyone’s interest.
Advocates for Women, LGBT Communities and Veterans
One challenge facing the aerospace industry is the lack of women in the field (and STEM fields, in general). Ball and its employees have stepped up to the plate to develop the next generation of female aerospace leaders by participating in several outreach programs designed to encourage local girls to explore STEM careers. Through including hands-on workshops and opportunities, young women get the chance to meet and interact with female engineers and technicians.
The company advocates for other underrepresented groups, as well—Ball is vocal and diligent about equal opportunity for minorities, disabled people, veterans, and the LGBT community.
Last year, Ball received a perfect score on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. Its 100 perfect ranking efforts designates Ball as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.
Ball is also leading the way in the ongoing effort of securing paying jobs for more Colorado Guard and Reserve service members and veterans. In 2014, the Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the company with its “Above and Beyond” Award for its work supporting Guard and Reserve employees.
Global Achievements
We’d be remiss not to mention some of Ball Aerospace’s most well-known achievements, including building the Ralph camera that made it possible to capture high-resolution images of Pluto; building and launching the Kepler spacecraft, which enabled the discovery of more than 2,500 confirmed exoplanets; and working with NASA on the Hubble, Compton, Chandra, and Spitzer observatories (known collectively as the Great Observatories).
What began as a manufacturer of glass jars has evolved into a company that is leading the way in space exploration, STEM education and career development, and community building. We are proud to call them our neighbors, and wish them many more years of success!