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Duluth Public Library Wins STEM Education Grant and Prepares to Host NASA and Space-Themed Programming Geared to Historically Underrepresented Youth

The Duluth Public Library is set to host a series of NASA and space-themed science activities for kids aged 9-14 this summer, after being selected to receive funding from the organization NIFTY, which stands for NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth. NIFTY and its partner organizations form a nation-wide, multi-agency coalition whose goal is to provide relevant, accessible opportunities for youth to engage with STEM or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. DPL Youth Services Librarian, Amanda Bremmon, has been involved with securing the grant and will be among the staff to present programming. Bremmon notes, “Duluth Public Library has been working to increase STEM offerings for our afterschool age groups and this grant opportunity provides an excellent path forward to further develop our STEM programming. We are excited to support the mission of NIFTY to encourage participation by historically underrepresented groups in the STEM field and look forward to providing free and inclusive space science programs that incorporate NASA’s real-life application of these topics.”

DPL is one of only 15 libraries in the nation to be awarded a NIFTY Grant. “We are so excited and honored to receive this grant. With the funds, we will be able to provide kids in our community the opportunity to have fun while learning about space through hands-on science activities,” says Bri Belanger, Youth Services Supervisor. In addition to program funding, the grant includes professional development in gender equitable and culturally responsive instructional strategies, and support in connecting with NASA professionals to serve as role models in library programs. In addition to four in-house library programs throughout July and August, DPL Youth Services staff plan to take the programs out into the community this fall, working with local partner organizations to spark excitement, encourage curiosity, and inspire lifelong interest in STEM and space. 

Upcoming Library Programs Supported by the NIFTY Grant:

Parachutes

Wednesday, July 12th

Main Library—Green Room (520 W. Superior St.)

3:00-4:00 pm

Building Rockets

Wednesday, July 26th

Main Library—Green Room (520 W. Superior St.)

3:00-4:00 pm

Craters or Volcanoes?

Wednesday, August 9th

Main Library—Green Room (520 W. Superior St.)

3:00-4:00 pm

Life Cycle of a Star

Wednesday, August 23rd

Main Library—Green Room (520 W. Superior St.)

3:00-4:00 pm