Imagine children's museum will expand their little science lab program to segments of the community with the fewest options for science and math enrichment, which will address learning gaps…

The Imagine Children's Museum in Everett, Washington received a $500,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) program. The grant will fund the expansion of the museum's "Little Science Lab" program to underserved communities, addressing learning gaps for children of color, low-income families, English language learners, and children with special needs. The project will hire a full-time Learning Partnership Coordinator to strengthen relationships with community partners and identify priority areas for the free, interactive science and math enrichment sessions. Additional activities include developing complementary programming such as family math nights and establishing an evaluation plan. The project aims to increase kindergarten readiness, caregiver and teacher confidence in conveying STEM concepts, and access to enrichment opportunities in underserved communities.

Imagine children's museum will expand their little science lab program to segments of the community with the fewest options for science and math enrichment, which will address learning gaps disproportionately affecting children of color, children from low-income families, english language learners, and/or children who experience special needs. A full time learning partnership coordinator will be hired to strengthen relationships with community partners, and identify priority communities to expand the free, interactive sessions. Project activities will include developing complementary programming such as family math nights and working with a consultant to establish and conduct an evaluation. As a result, preschool age children's kindergarten readiness will increase, caregivers and preschool teachers will gain confidence in conveying math and science concepts, and underserved communities will have enhanced access to science and math enrichment opportunities.