The museum of discovery and science in fort lauderdale, florida will expand its stemobile program, a mobile maker space program for early learners ages three to five and their caregivers and teachers

The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida received a $482,330 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (MFA) federal grant program (CFDA 45.301). The grant will be used to expand the museum's "STEMobile" program, a mobile makerspace initiative that provides interactive STEM experiences for early learners ages 3-5 and their caregivers/teachers. The program will serve 123 early learning centers in the 10 lowest-income zip codes in Broward County, which are also the most affected by intergenerational poverty, economic immobility, and low educational attainment. In addition to the STEM experiences, the project will offer family science nights and professional development resources to empower teachers. The goal is to help reduce disparities in education for these vulnerable young learners and support their academic success. The grant period runs from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.

The program will serve 123 early learning centers in the 10 lowest-income ZIP codes in broward county that are also the most affected by intergenerational poverty, economic immobility, and lowest educational attainment levels. The project will provide interactive stem experiences for young children aligned with florida early learning and developmental standards; a family science night that reinforces the caregiver's role as their child's first teacher; and professional development resources that empower teachers to feel more confident about teaching stem. The project will help reduce disparities in education for vulnerable young learners and help them succeed.