The Lanark Highlands Public Library & Mississippi Mills Public Library share a mission – to inspire knowledge creation and promote lifelong learning. We are excited to work together to build science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in our youth throughout our catchment area.
STEM can be daunting but fun and accessible STEM programs such as LEGO robotics, computer coding and 3D printing workshops, build STEM skills and encourage innovation and critical thinking.
Our project, “Brick by Brick: Building STEM Futures”, is designed to ensure all youth in Lanark Highlands & Mississippi Mills have the opportunity to try STEM in a fun, supportive and inviting environment with the hope that participants will gain the skills and confidence to pursue STEM in the future. Following are our three main goals:
#1 - Offer free, accessible STEM programming to all youth in our catchment areas
#2 - Encourage interest and enthusiasm for STEM programs
#3 - Offer opportunities for youth to build new STEM skills
This project will open the door to a multitude of collaboration possibilities creating a ripple effect in both our communities. Both library systems have well-established relationships with other local organizations and sharing STEM supplies with local schools and youth centers further expands STEM knowledge within the community.
To ensure the most efficient and impactful use of grant funding, our two libraries are working together – a collaboration that allows us to share STEM and robotics equipment and broaden our reach. By pooling resources, we can reduce duplication of costs, extend access to high-quality materials, and attract top-tier STEM instructors drawn to the opportunity to work across a wider, more dynamic program. This partnership not only maximizes the return on investment for Commonwell, but also enhances the sustainability and scalability of our STEM initiatives.
“Brick by Brick: Building STEM Futures” is vital to both communities because it brings with it so many essential benefits:
1. It serves as an educational tool that is not otherwise available to the children in our communities. It encourages the inclusion of girls in STEM, as they are disproportionally absent from these opportunities.
2. It fosters a sense of engagement in the community by gathering children to a space where everyone is welcome & supported. It is important to note that the programming is not just academic, or curriculum-based. Rather, it is a tactile, experiential learning opportunity which is effective in engaging diverse learners.
3. This project will build capacity in both organizations to spread its impact beyond the grant timeline and continue into the future.
4. This project helps the larger community by cultivating a diverse and skilled workforce equipped with the critical thinking and technical skills needed for future careers. As children from all backgrounds gain exposure to robotics and STEM, they will be better prepared to contribute to the growth and innovation of local industries, fostering economic development and technological advancement. STEM skills are not just for youth pursuing careers in engineering and computer science. Farmers need computer skills in their day-to-day farming operations and tradespeople need to navigate new technologies daily. Cultivating STEM skills helps prepare our youth for whatever path they choose to take.
5. This project promotes a growth mindset & resilience through learning from failure. STEM activities (especially robotics) teach kids that failure is part of the learning process. Our project aims to build resilience, persistence and problem solving under uncertainty.
6. In partnership with Lanark-based youth entrepreneur companies, this initiative also supports the growth of youth-led STEM enterprises, fostering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs within our own community.
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The best we can do for our future is teach kids to learn to solve problems
These workshops feed curious minds. They make things make sense and empower the participants to learn and believe in themselves.
My son did one of these programs and had so much fun.
My kids love having the opportunity to explore s.t.e.m. activities that would otherwise be out of reach for us.
Early exposure to this field of employment is vital to young people, especially girls.