Summer STEM Grant

The Summer STEM Grant, administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries, offers $500 to up to 70 libraries to enhance STEM outreach during summer. This initiative aims to provide engaging hands-on STEM activities for underserved youth, improve access to books, and reduce summer learning loss. Eligible libraries must conduct outreach activities for at least five weeks and submit a summary report of their engagement and experiences. This grant fosters innovative programming beyond typical library services.

Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL), with funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awards up to 70 public, school, or academic libraries $500 each to help pay for materials or presenters to support STEM outreach efforts during the summer. The ICfL also provides a toolkit for learning activities and other resources. The Summer STEM from Your Library program has three primary goals:
Increase access to fun, engaging, hands-on STEM activities for underserved youth beyond the normal library programming effortsIncrease children’s access to books over the summer monthsIncrease the number of children who minimize learning loss during the summer

Eligibility

Publicly-funded school, public, tribal, or academic libraries in Idaho that are compliant with Idaho’s grant eligibility guidelines (found here).Grant RequirementsProvide outreach activities for a minimum of five weeks during the months of May – September 15, 2024; public libraries must hold at least 40% of their programs away from the library. Providing grab-n-go STEM kits or virtual STEM programs are considered outreach activities during this grant year.Provide ICfL with the final number of people who engaged in Summer STEM activities and a summary of STEM experiences funded with the grant.Expend all grant funds on allowable expenses by end of grant period.Complete a summary report on how the STEM resources enhanced the library’s summer outreach (photos of programs are also encouraged).Applications that meet the grant requirements will be awarded funding on a first-come, first-served basis. All types of publicly-funded libraries in Idaho may apply, but only libraries providing activities outside of their normal service models will be considered.