ELY — Ely Public Library recently received a $3,500 grant from the Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC). The grant, called the IF/THEN Gender Equity Grant, supports projects meant to encourage girls to begin thinking about choosing a career in STEM.
In order to accomplish these goals, the library’s program will have three distinct components:
1) The library will be featuring information about extraordinary women in STEM on a TV at the library purchased with grant funds.
2) STEM professionals who are women will introduce themselves to girls in grades 4-8 who come to the library and participate in science projects.
3) The library will be making take-home science kits with information about national leaders in STEM who are women. Six different projects will be available to participants.
Girls who participate in six or more projects will be honored with a trophy at the end of the series, which runs from November 12 through January 28.
Founded in 1973, ASTC is a network of nearly 700 science and technology centers, museums, and allied organizations, engaging more than 110 million people annually across North America and in almost 50 countries. With its members and partners, ASTC works towards a vision of increased understanding of—and engagement with—science and technology among all people.
IF/THEN® is part of Lyda Hill Philanthropies®’ commitment to funding game-changing advancements in science and nature.