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It’s Full STEAM Ahead for Educational Enrichment

With schools back in session, it’s a great time to bring attention to the many educational enrichment programs that are supported through Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC)’s competitive grants process. CFMC is especially excited to shine a light on some of its strong partnerships with nonprofits that are providing STEAM enrichment for all ages, throughout the year.

If you are not familiar with the term, STEAM is the new STEM. It is an integrated approach to education that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to guide and inspire children of all ages to take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. Here in Middlesex County, STEAM enrichment is being offered in school, after school, and during the summer months, too.

“ALL ABOARD!” STEAM has taken on a new meaning. Indeed! Did you know that there are now two steam engines in Essex? The Essex Library decided to incorporate a bit of local flare to its STEAM offering. With grant assistance from the community foundation, it created the Essex Library STEAM Engine, a mobile resource cart full of books that tie-in to science, technology, arts, and math. The STEAM Engine travels to various locations in the library for featured programs and serves as an easy resource destination for people of all ages looking for books specific to STEAM topics.

With support from CFMC, the East Hampton nonprofit childcare group Kids of Chatham Organization (KOCO) purchased STEAM kits for their summer and after-school programs. The kits focus on specific areas within each STEAM field, such as electricity, and allow children to learn the basic principles and process of creating a working model. Since response to the kits has been overwhelmingly positive, KOCO is now partnering with the East Hampton Library to develop a middle school STEAM program.

And there’s even more. Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services saw the need to encourage and inspire more girls to explore STEAM as a potential career path. It is using CFMC grant funds to develop a series of workshops for girls that are facilitated by women in various STEAM fields. The goal is to create interest and greater awareness of the opportunities in STEAM related work by connecting girls with women mentors and leaders.

CFMC applauds the leadership and guidance provided by our educators, child care providers, libraries, youth service bureaus, and the many donors and volunteers that make learning an engaging, year-round activity for our young people. We are grateful for your partnership and your passion for inspiring a new generation of lifelong learners. We encourage everyone to support a local community program and help enrich a child’s life through education. Together, it’s easy to make a real difference today, and for all of our futures. Give CFMC a call at 860-347-0025, or drop us an email at info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org.