MidAmerica Industrial Complex receives $30,000 Google Community Grant to fund STEM programs in six area libraries
03/04/2020
MidAmerica Industrial Complex received a $30,000 Google Community Grant through the MidAmerica STEM Alliance to fund STEM programs in six area libraries. Each library will receive $5,000 for STEM education materials from Pitsco Education. The programs are designed to target adult populations such as parents, grandparents and care givers, with or without children.
The purpose of the project is to increase STEM awareness in area communities through programs and activities in the local public libraries. MidAmerica’s strong collaborations and partnerships with business, industry and education have allowed MAIP to reach area students with many STEM initiatives, including distribution of $2.5 million in STEM resources for 18 area schools, Mayes County First Robotics Team, Mayes County UAV, MidAmerica STEM Showcase, and Mayes County BMX.
The Google Community Grant allows MidAmerica to expand this reach and impact by increasing access to STEM learning through programs that are family and community oriented. The approach allows MidAmerica to reach under-represented groups in both small towns and rural areas.
“Parents, caregivers, and mentors play a critical role in encouraging and supporting their students learning at home, in school, and in their communities,” said Chief Administrative Officer David Stewart. “Creating opportunities for adults and families to interact together while learning will further enhance student’s potential to succeed while also strengthening the family unit.”
The total expected impact of the $30,000 grant within the first year is 864 youth, 936 adults and 216 volunteers. The six public libraries receiving the STEM programs include the communities of Pryor, Chouteau, Inola, Locust Grove, Salina, and Langley. These libraries are located in the immediate communities surrounding the Google Mayes County Data Center and are within the MidAmerica identified labor shed area.
Each library will host a variety of STEM programs and activities including a monthly community family STEM program. In Phase I, the programs will reach up to 25 students and adults per month at each location. Summer day-camp programs will be developed during the first phase. Phase II will continue to build the program by adding additional STEM materials through proposed grant funding and will add monthly dates to the calendar to extend the reach.
As the programs progress within the communities Phase III will bring a mentoring program and incorporate more of the STEM Alliance by adding Mayes County Robotics and BMX activities within the communities. Each phase will increase the number of programs offered as well as the number of summer day camp opportunities.
The programs are easily adapted for many age groups and Pitsco Education will provide training and support for their curriculum and products which will ensure library staff are equipped to deliver the curriculum. With the support of the MidAmerica STEM Alliance and volunteers from the MidAmerica marketing division, the libraries with coordinate and execute the activities.
“Community STEM programs such as this will significantly impact our student’s future educational aspirations. We understand the future our youth face will require a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Scott Fry, director of Workforce Development at MidAmerica. “By bringing STEM learning and family engagement into our libraries, exposure and awareness to the literary programs are also enhanced. Literary skills are vital to understanding STEM concepts and can lead to success across all disciplines.”
The public libraries receiving the STEM programs currently offer literary programs designed for multiple ages. Library directors are experienced in delivering and managing diverse projects. The STEM project allows them to align with the public school systems and assist in educating the adult population on the importance of STEM education for their children.
Each library will choose their own STEM initiatives and materials for their program designed specifically for their community/environment. The programs will be offered after school, in the evenings or on Saturdays, plus summer day camps.
The participating libraries will all become members of the MidAmerica STEM Alliance and benefit from the networking and support of the Alliance. They will also be included in many of the STEM Alliance programs and events. Each Library STEM program will be promoted and supported by the MidAmerica STEM Alliance and the MidAmerica Industrial Complex Workforce Division to ensure sustainability and success.
