DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- The Perot Museum of Nature and Science was recently awarded nearly half a million dollars from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of its IMLS CARES Act Grants program to support the role of museums and libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Perot Museum will use the funding to deliver STEM education to 45,000 youth from neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty and lower rates of educational attainment in North Texas.
“We are really honored. This is a big win for the museum and most importantly it’s a great way for us to provide access to science education in a fun and creative way,” said Katherine Stenesen, Chief Development Officer for the Perot Museum.
The Museum plans to adapt its mobile makerspace program – known as TECH Truck – to in-person and virtual formats that require minimal handling of materials by more than one person. Also, the Museum will launch a pilot program with 12 select partners to determine if ongoing, deeper and sustained engagement has measurable effects on learning.
“We are hoping these engagements will provide the spark that might inspire a child to pursue a STEM career and someday become our next generation of science leaders,” said Stenesen.
Less than 4% of museums nation-wide received funding and the Perot Museum was awarded among the highest, with $500,000 being the maximum. Only two Texas institutions – the Perot Museum and the Texas Historical Commission – and just eight U.S. science museums were selected for the grants.
