Children interested in developing their skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in 47 Iowa communities will have great opportunities to do so through a generous donation from the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation.
As part of its Henry’s Heroes Program, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation recently delivered 50 STEM carts to 50 public libraries across Iowa, Iowa Select Farms shared in a release. Employees of Iowa Select Farms nominated their hometown libraries to receive the carts to empower kids to be future innovators, creators and leaders.
“Our public libraries are a beacon for children across the state, particularly in rural communities,” Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms, said in a release. “We are thankful to be able to impact children’s learning across Iowa, especially as libraries work so hard to maintain programming while being underfunded.”
The STEM carts include a variety of STEM toys and kits that encourage organic and structured play grounded in science, technology, engineering and math concepts. For older kids, STEM pairs academic concepts with real-world applications to make connections between school and careers.
“We are a small community, but our summer reading program is always well-attended,” Joy Metzger, director of children’s programs at the Whittemore Public Library, said in a release. “We offer programming for kids all year round, and promoting STEM is something we are deeply committed to.”
Iowa has 543 public libraries across the state that serve as “free, trusted and welcoming gathering places that support children, families and communities.” Iowa consistently ranks in the top five states for its number of public libraries.
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