2017 MIDWINTER HIGHLIGHTS ISSUE              COGNOTES 13

Public Libraries Invited to Apply for NASA@ My Library STEM Initiative

Public libraries are invited to apply for NASA@ My Library, a STEM education initiative that will increase and enhance STEM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underserved in STEM education.

The project is offered by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with ALA’s Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science, and the Education Development Center.

Through a competitive application process, 75 U.S. public libraries will be selected to become NASA Partner Libraries and participate in the 18-month project (Phase One), with the opportunity to extend for an additional two-year period (Phase Two).

Applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 22, 2017. To view the project guidelines and apply online, visit https://apply.ala.org/nasalibraries after February 1. ALA members and nonmembers are encouraged to apply.

75 U.S. public libraries will be selected to become NASA Partner Libraries and participate in the 18-month project.

As part of Phase One (May 2017 to Oct. 2018), selected NASA Partner Libraries will receive:

1. Two NASA@ My Library Facilitation Kits (total value: $750) designed for use in hands-on STEM programming facilitated by library staff or outside groups, such as NASA subject matter experts. The kits will include STEM tools and hands-on activities based on the following themes: “Sun-Earth-Moon Connections” and “Expanding Your Senses.” The kits’ contents are being finalized based on feedback from three NASA@ My Library pilot libraries; sample contents may include a telescope, binoculars, a microscope, a “green screen” backdrop, robotics and coding toys, and more.
2. A tablet computer, pre-loaded with how-to videos, apps, games and visualizations relevant to the kit materials.
3. A $500 programming stipend
4. Participation for one library staff member in a required two-day orientation workshop in Denver in February/March 2018
5. An $800 stipend for travel costs for the orientation workshop
6. Promotion to NASA subject matter expert networks for potential program partnerships
7. Training webinars about using the NASA@ My Library Facilitation Kit materials in programming
8. Ongoing networking opportunities with participating libraries

NASA Partner Libraries that participate in Phase Two (November 2018 to December 2020) will receive:

1. NASA STEM backpacks designed for circulation (total value: $200)
2. Two additional NASA@ My Library Facilitation Kits (total value: $750)
3. An additional $500 programming stipend

Participating libraries will be required to hold at least three public programs per year that utilize the NASA STEM Facilitation Kits, NASA educational resources and/or NASA subject matter experts. The programs should target a variety of age groups, and at least one program per year must be a publicized, high-profile event. Grantees will also be asked to host a community dialogue event to discuss STEM learning needs of their community.

Public libraries serving rural and geographically isolated communities, as well as those conducting outreach to other groups underrepresented in STEM fields, are especially encouraged to apply.

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