It is a known fact how influential science and research is in our everyday lives, but sometimes, that influence can only be created if the right funds and resources are available. With the United States being one of the world leaders in science and innovation, science and technology needs to be accessible to people of all backgrounds.
One such organization, helping to diversify science literacy and making it accessible, is in our own backyard: the Connect Crew at Memphis Library Foundation. Connect Crew delivers unique programming to traditionally underserved communities. The Society for Science (The Society) granted Connect Crew $4,000 for extra equipment for their Start Here program.
With this grant, Connect Crew can implement their goal to deliver innovative programming to traditionally underserved communities and neighborhood library branches with limited resources in the greater Memphis Area. Connect Crew has expressed their gratitude by saying, “Thanks to Society For Science, the Connect Crew is able to offer an exciting variety of STEM programs across Memphis and Shelby County. These outreach programs are targeted to youth who otherwise would lack access to STEM resources, and we are so grateful for the ongoing support! It means the world to those we serve.”
The Society has awarded more than $165,000 in microgrants to various community-driven organizations across the nation. With these grants, the organizations can implement projects, or even provide more STEM opportunities for members of their community.
This year, The Society helped support 38 grassroots organizations around the United States. These 38 organizations were all given different amounts of money, to fund various projects for their communities. You can learn more about this year’s winners here.
The Society’s goal with the Action Grant Program is to provide a platform for groups who are “historically left behind” in STEM, such as Black and Latinx individuals. The organizations that they sponsor have goals to do just that as well in their own communities. From organizations looking to provide STEM education to black girls, to organizations that are helping a refugee community, the society provides microgrants to a variety of different groups all with similar goals.
Thanks to The Society, technology, science, and innovation is becoming more widespread and accessible in the United States. More people from Black and Latinx backgrounds are able to enter the STEM field. More women are empowered to tap into their scientific prowess. And more people from vulnerable populations, such as genocide survivors and refugees, are included in STEM pathways. Since 2016, (including this announcement), the program has given $410,000 total to 64 organizations. This year’s STEM Action Grant program funding comes from Regeneron as well as The Society.
Learn more about all the awardees of the 2021 STEM Action Grant program here.
Learn more about Memphis Library Foundation and Connect Crew here.