NSF Grant

Kidzeum Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Create Center for STEAM Education with the Springfield Area Community

Kidzeum is engaging the community in the co-design of a cutting-edge STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Center and learning network that will work to improve learning outcomes for students in Springfield and surrounding communities. The project is made possible by a grant from the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Program at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Led by Leah Wilson, Executive Director of Kidzeum, Dr. Catherine Haden of Loyola University, and Dr. David Uttal of Northwestern University, the project will position Kidzeum as a learning hub where children and families engage with hands-on science and technology activities in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them. 

What activities are planned? Over the coming months, the museum will host a series of workshops and focus groups, inviting input from a diverse cross-section of urban and rural constituents. This includes families, educators, farmers, nonprofits, STEM professionals, and business owners from Springfield and surrounding communities. Participants will discuss and map existing community assets that support STEM/STEAM education and will also consider barriers that must be overcome to build a stronger learning ecosystem.

Where will the center be located? In 2022, the museum received $497,560 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Capital Grant Program to renovate 2,200 square feet of vacant space. The two resulting rooms will serve as the primary operational space for the STEAM Center. The museum plans to open the center within the next 3 years, pending additional funding.

Who can participate? Kidzeum is putting out a call for participation that extends to constituents in Springfield and surrounding communities. Anyone who has an interest in expanding STEM/STEAM programs for children is welcome to participate. The project gets underway in February with two opportunities for the community to learn more and to guide the direction of the project.

Option 1:                                     Option 2:       

February 5                                  February 12

3:00-4:30 p.m.                           7:00-8:30 p.m.

Meeting via Zoom                      Meeting via Zoom

Register                                       Register

For more information on how to get involved in the design process of the STEAM Center, visit Kidzeum.org/education or email info@kidzeum.org.