Greensburg, Delmont libraries to implement STEM grant aimed at digital literacy
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Last summer, preschool-age children at the Delmont Public Library had a chance to work with robotics kits and get introduced to the science, technology, engineering and math concepts that are part of the STEM education model.
Problem is, the library only had the kits on loan for a week’s worth of programming.
Now, thanks to a roughly $40,000 grant from the state’s Department of Labor & Industry, patrons of the Delmont and Greensburg Hempfield libraries will have more-permanent access to STEM program tools. They’re available through the department’s Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Program.
“It seemed like a perfect fit,” said Greensburg Hempfield Area Library Director Jamie Falo. “The (program’s) objectives aligned with our own. We wanted to expand our existing digital literacy programs and databases but needed the extra capital.”
Falo said the grant arrived at the perfect time, allowing her to partner with Delmont Public Library staff to design and implement a comprehensive digital literacy program aimed at developing the skills needed to address local workforce challenges.
“With this, we’ll own all of these ‘tech toys’ and kids can come in anytime and learn with them,” said Delmont library Director Denni Grassel. “We’re expanding the programs we already have. For kids doing the robotics program, now we’ll have those kits permanently and they can continue using them to learn.”
Grassel said the two libraries will also develop and standardized curriculum with the goal of ensuring digital literacy and ultimately creating tech-savvy young men and women who can pursue STEM careers without having to leave Westmoreland County.
In the coming months, both libraries will be working together to procure equipment, apps, wireless hot-spots and other supplies; implement marketing, recruitment and assessment strategies; and train staff and volunteers.
Between the two libraries, a number of STEM-based programs for pre-kindergarten through teens already exist.
They’re in partnership with a variety of local, regional and state organizations including the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Math and Science Collaborative, the Carnegie Science Center, the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and the Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
“At Delmont, we’re expanding it so that in addition to younger kids, teens have some opportunities for things like coding as well,” Grassel said. “It won’t just be basic coding.”
Grassel said she and Falo also plan to share the strategies and curriculum they develop with other local libraries.
“We want everyone in Westmoreland County to be digitally literate as soon as possible,” she said. “You can learn as much technology as you want at the libraries this summer.”