New Grant Will Enrich STEM Programming at Erie House

Erie Neighborhood House received a grant from the Terri Race Educational Technology Fund to support a robotics initiative in the Youth Options Unlimited program.

The robotics unit is part of a broader effort being made by Erie House to invest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education across multiple programs.

“Robotics has allowed our youth to develop skills beyond our expectations,” said YOU assistant director Maria Muñoz. “It gives students the opportunity to have fun while learning new ways to engage in STEM.”

Muñoz indicates that the funds will help purchase materials to enhance robotics instruction. The grant is also timely, as staff are preparing for summer programming and are eager to offer students opportunities to expand upon learning that has taken place during the school year.

“Robotics has allowed our youth to develop skills beyond our expectations.”

– Maria Muñoz, YOU assistant director

The grant will also enable the Little Village READS program to purchase licenses for Ticket to Read, an online reading program designed to support literacy growth for students in kindergarten through 6th grade.

“We’re constantly looking for fun, engaging ways to integrate STEM learning into our programs for children and youth,” said Erie House executive director Kirstin Chernawsky. “The support we have received from the Terri Race Educational Technology Fund will help us achieve that goal.”

The Terri Race Educational Technology Fund’s mission is to enhance the education of under-resourced students by providing access to technology.

For more information on the YOU and READS programs at Erie House, please visit www.eriehouse.org.