On Dec 20, 2016 the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that they have awarded to the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance a two-year National Leadership Grant (MG-00-17-0003-17).  MMSA will work in unusually close collaboration with IMLS as we evaluate a new federal program called STEMeX.

STEMex is a highly experimental program that funds scientists and engineers to deliver inquiry-based STEM programs to children aged 6-10 and their families in museums and libraries, using a variety of techniques such as storytelling, personal histories, and analogies. The program has recently funded its first four awardees in locations across the nation, and MMSA will serve as the external evaluator for all four, Over the next two years, our staff will work closely with the IMLS and the awardees to learn about how to develop such STEM activities for families in effective and creative ways. We will share our findings with the awardees and the public.

Over the next two years, our staff will work closely with the IMLS and the awardees to learn about how to develop such STEM activities for families in effective and creative ways. We will share our findings with the awardees and the public.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is celebrating its 20^th Anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries   and 35,000 museums. Our mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years, our grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.