The Purcell Public Library has been selected as one of 12 libraries to participate in the STAR Net STEAM Equity Project, a competitive grant program that will enable the library and its collaborators to offer special programs, educational products, and exhibitions.
The STEAM Equity project — where STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math — is designed specifically for libraries in rural communities with sizeable Latinx populations.
Through this project, residents of Purcell and beyond are invited join this effort to empower tweens and their families in equitable STEAM learning and career paths by building off of their existing strengths, interests, and diverse cultures. “We are so excited to be chosen through a competitive application process for this amazing opportunity,” said Purcell Public Library branch manager Rebekah Lynam.
“We are looking forward to showing that STEAM subjects offer ways to approach our personal and community needs and to inspire creativity, collaboration, and the curiosity to learn more. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with our community members to launch fun learning opportunities, and we will be working together to encourage participation by community members who are under-represented in STEM fields, especially Hispanic families and individuals, and women and girls.”
During the four-year project, the library will receive $15,000 to buy STEAM learning materials and offer programs especially to meet the needs and interests of tweens and their families.
The STAR Net STEAM Equity Project is offered by the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute, the American Library Association, Twin Cities PBS, Institute for Learning Innovation, and Education Development Center, with funding from the National Science Foundation.
