McWane Science Center to use grant to expand STEM outreach

McWane Science Center recently received a $20,000 PNC Foundation grant to offer science education to more than 100 additional families with preschool children in the Birmingham area.

The money comes from PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative, which has provided nearly $375,000 in grants to McWane since 2014.

McWane will be able to deliver more STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programming and workshops to families of children ages 6 and younger.

“Research shows that children who participate in high-quality preschool programs are more likely to be successful in school and contribute to society later in life,” said Nick Willis, McWane Science Center board member and a PNC regional president.

The expanded community outreach will include hands-on coaching for parents to help them reinforce STEM lessons at home with their early learners. Parents and kids will learn and play together during the workshops and receive a take-home kit with STEM materials and resources.

The goal is to “offer parents the hands-on experience and confidence needed to help prepare their preschoolers for academic success,” Willis said.

The children and their families will also receive free transportation to the McWane Science Center, where they will learn hands-on through play-based exhibits.