Explorationworks, in collaboration with head start and the lewis and clark public library, will expand its early childhood programs to better support the needs of low-income and rural families and…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded a $303,892 Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) Project Grant to Exploration Works, a non-profit organization in Helena, MT. The grant funds a 3-year project to expand Exploration Works' early childhood STEM education programs in collaboration with local Head Start and library partners. Key activities include:

• Providing training for local Head Start educators to deliver weekly STEM lessons in their classrooms using kits developed by the project team
• Implementing weekly family STEM programs at the Lewis and Clark Public Library
• Developing and hosting parent/caregiver workshops on child development and STEM learning, with participants receiving educational resources
• Reaching over 9,500 young children across classroom, home, library, and museum settings with enhanced STEM learning opportunities

This project aims to better support the STEM education needs of low-income and rural families and childcare providers in the Helena region.

Explorationworks, in collaboration with head start and the lewis and clark public library, will expand its early childhood programs to better support the needs of low-income and rural families and childcare providers in the helena region. The museum will provide training for local head start educators, who will then offer weekly stem lessons in their classrooms using kits developed by the project team. The museum will implement weekly family stem programs at the lewis and clark public library. The museum will also develop and host parent and caregiver workshops on child development and stem learning, with participants receiving a "science at home" activity book and supplemental kit developed by the project team. As a result of this project, over 9,500 young children will experience stem in their classroom, home, libraries, and through museum visits including a free family science night.