M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust STEM Discovery Program Grant

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust STEM Discovery Program Grant

Funder: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Award Amount: $277,500 (multi-year grant)

Geographic Scope: Snohomish County, Washington

Focus Areas:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education

Expanding STEM Discovery Program to all School-Age Care (SAC) sites

Youth development and hands-on STEM learning

Program Details

This multi-year grant was awarded to expand the YMCA of Snohomish County's STEM Discovery Program, which brings fun, equitable, hands-on learning to youth. The program includes:

• Year 1 (2023-24): Expansion to serve 1,100+ youth across all 26 SAC sites (previously served 350 youth)
• Year 2 (2024-25): Extension into Youth Leadership/Teen spaces
• Year 3 (late 2025): Community outreach and engagement expansion

Funded Activities

• Two new STEM coordinator positions
• 23 weeks of curriculum per participant
• Activities integrating 21st Century Skills and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Hands-on STEM activities (e.g., learning about habitats, building boats from craft materials)
• Community partnerships with local businesses
• Community events and staff development

Eligibility

• Open to YMCA of Snohomish County programs serving youth
• Focus on equitable access regardless of background

Award Date

August 8, 2023