Mississippi Mills Public Library (MMPL) launched a STEM program with funding from the Elizabeth Kelly Foundation and Canada Summer Jobs grant in 2020/21. This pilot STEM program was more successful than anticipated, with overwhelming demand for workshops. “Registration filled within hours of posting the workshops and parents were very excited to have access to free robotics programs locally, when usually they need to travel to Ottawa and pay quite a bit for anything similar,” explained Berta Madrigal Abaroa, coordinator of MMPL STEM programs. The success of MMPL STEM programs sparked the idea to pilot a Lanark-wide STEM program.
STEM skills are not just for youth intending to pursue careers in engineering and computer science. Agriculture & agri-food industry workers need computer skills in their day-to-day farming operations from fixing equipment to digital cultivation software. Tradespeople need to navigate new technologies. Christine Row, MMPL CEO explains, “Cultivating STEM skills helps prepare our youth for whatever path they choose.”
Libraries are the ideal place to encourage and develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. Bruce Attfield, Elizabeth Kelly Foundation Director states, “funding this innovative program aims to build important skills for all youth throughout Lanark County.”
Through the Lanark STEM Program, all five library systems will share LEGO robotics kits and laptops. “Steampunk Education will use these resources to bring the youth of Lanark up to speed on current developments in technology, covering topics like engineering design and procedural programming,” said Gabe Braden, co-founder of Steampunk Education. “Steampunk’s stated mission is to help rural education centers by providing high-quality STEM education.”
Partners and program details and registration information can be found on the following websites:
Carleton Place Public Library – www.carletonplacelibrary.ca
Lanark Highlands Public Library – www.lanarklibrary.ca
Mississippi Mills Public Library – www.missmillslibrary.ca
Perth & District Union Public Library – www.perthunionlibrary.ca
Smiths Falls Public Library – www.smithsfallslibrary.ca
Elizabeth Kelly Foundation – www.ekellylibraryfoundation.ca