Kitsap Regional Library Foundation

Kitsap Regional Library will build on BiblioTEC, a highly successful, collaborative, life-changing program of "STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)" education for youth, to develop, test, and deliver a ready-to-use system that empowers small and rural libraries to become community STEM leaders. Elements can be replicated individually or together to fit the needs of any library. The project features curricula for multiple participatory, hands-on STEM programs driven by interest-based projects and peer-to-peer learning; a badging module to measure meaningful 21st century career readiness outcomes; training for librarians, adult STEM volunteer mentors, and teen peer leaders. The project team will also develop a process for permanently increasing STEM capacity for librarians who are not STEM experts, but rather the facilitators of a connected community with schools, businesses, and youth working together to support peer-driven, inquiry based learning.