I-66 Makes $15,000 Donation To Support Community Partner Pink Space Theory
The Local Nonprofit Offers Events and Programs Designed to Encourage STEM Learning, Especially Among the Region’s Female Students
Manassas, Va. – Demonstrating its continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities for local students, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, recently presented a $15,000 contribution to Prince William County-based nonprofit Pink Space Theory. The donation represents I-66 EMP’s largest investment to date in the organization and will help support hands-on STEM learning programs designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and technology leaders.
At a recent check presentation ceremony, representatives from I-66 EMP joined Pink Space Theory to celebrate the growing partnership and the impact its programs continue to have on students throughout the region.
“I must admit, I was overjoyed when I learned about the most recent contribution from our friends at I-66 EMP,” said Monica Nichols, founder and CEO of Pink Space Theory. “Year after year, they step up and help us continue to expand opportunities for students to explore STEM, build confidence, and discover new possibilities for their future.”
I-66 EMP provided Pink Space Theory with a $10,000 contribution in 2025 and a $6,500 offering in 2024. But the partnership has extended beyond monetary donations, as a contingent from I-66 EMP joined Pink Space Theory at Dumfries’ Swans Creek Elementary School in February of 2025 for a special Make Tech Pink program on Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.
“We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that Pink Space Theory has on young people in our region – especially for girls, but also all students interested in science, technology, and engineering,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “So we’re happy to continue strengthening our partnership with Pink Space Theory and anticipate myriad benefits for local students.”
About Pink Space Theory:
As a mobile maker-space providing hands-on, 21st-century learning experiences, Pink Space Theory creates space for students to love learning about the subjects of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Pink Space Theory operates more than a half-dozen programs designed to inspire, train, and transform under-represented and under-served students to become the next generation of high-tech leaders. For more information and to enroll in Pink Space Theory’s programs, visit www.PinkSpaceTheory.org.
About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.
