STEM Education

Science Centers and Museums STEM Initiative Expands

• By Sara Friedman
• 09/05/19

The Institute of Museum and Library Services has announced $1.9 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of Education to widen the scope of a national effort to equip more children's museums and science centers with STEM and making-based activities focused on "underserved youth."

The revamped program will enable resources, tools and training for up to forty 21st Century Community Learning Centers across eight states. The goal of the initiative is to reach up 1,000 students. The New York Hall of Science leads the initiative under a cooperative agreement with IMLS.

The project will be evaluated by a third party to assess outcomes including "changes in interest, skills, and behaviors related to STEM and making among youth participants."

For the 2019-2020 school year, seven children's museums and science centers will participate in the initiative:

• The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, Arizona

• Science Works in Ashland, Oregon

• Frost Science Museum in Miami, Florida

• Betty Brynn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas

• Children's Museum of Houston, Texas

"STEM-based learning is vital for young people to thrive in today's world, no matter their interests, backgrounds, or the professions they may ultimately choose,"said IMLS Director Kathryn Matthew. "By strengthening the inquiry skills that are inherently part of STEM learning, museums are uniquely positioned to spark curiosity among youth about the way their world works."