A Connecticut businessman is leading an effort to bring STEM learning centers to a local school district.

John DeMattia, of Fairfield, was born and raised in Bridgeport and built a successful business there. He is now giving back to the Park City.

"STEM - science, technology, engineering and math - are vital to the success of our kids, and these learning centers will put them on par with schools in surrounding suburban communities," DeMattia told News 12.

Working in partnership with Bob Dzurenda of the nonprofit Hall Neighborhood House - and with Steve Salem of the Cal Ripkin Jr Foundation - DeMattia says he's raised more than $1.5 million for the effort. The centers will bear the name of his lifelong friend and Bridgeport educator, Alan Wallack, who died in 2023.

"Starting this project, I thought it was for Alan -- but it's for the kids of the city of Bridgeport, and I personally feel outside of my family, this is the most important thing I've done in my life," DeMattia said.

The Alan Wallack STEM Learning Centers are already in 28 Bridgeport schools, and the city's three high schools will have them within the next few months, he said.