Explora will design and implement a series of steam learning programs for military-connected youth and families

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Explora Science Center & Children's Museum of Albuquerque $1,097,592 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to design and implement STEAM learning programs for military-connected youth and families in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Explora will partner with Albuquerque Public Schools, the Kirtland Partnership Committee on Kirtland Air Force Base, the Children's Promise Center, and the Rio Grande Educational Collaborative to co-develop and deliver developmentally sequenced STEAM programming. The initiative includes early childhood STEAM playgroups and caregiver workshops; standards-aligned, hands-on STEAM programs for school-age youth; and teen career exploration, mentorship, and leadership experiences aligned to civilian and military STEAM career pathways. Recurring on-base and community-wide family STEAM engagement events will reinforce educational stability, family engagement, and career awareness. Explora will provide stipends to partners, memberships for participating families, and transportation assistance for teens and school groups. An external evaluator will conduct formal evaluation, with results disseminated through reports, presentations, and professional networks.

The award period runs through August 31, 2028, with performance taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The museum staff will partner with albuquerque public schools, the kirtland partnership committee on kirtland air force base, the children's promise center, and the RIO grande educational collaborative to CO-develop and deliver developmentally sequenced steam programming promoting educational stability, strengthening family engagement, and building career awareness. The programs will include early childhood steam playgroups and caregiver workshops; standards-aligned, hands-on steam programs for school-age youth; teen career exploration, mentorship, and leadership experiences aligned to civilian and military steam career pathways; and recurring on-base and community-wide family steam engagement events. The museum will provide stipends to partners, memberships for participating families, and transportation assistance for teens and school groups. An external evaluator will conduct a formal evaluation, with results shared through reports, presentations, and professional networks.