Library STEM Kits

I grew up with family of 5 with a mother (Marie) that was an elementary teacher in Gilbert, MN for her career and a father (Mike) that spent his as a millwright in the mines.  Both contributed in different ways that would guide my future as an engineer.  My mom brought the appreciation for math, academics, and theory and my father more of the hands on to understand things and the need for practical implementation.  Beyond that, I had an uncle (Bob) that was an electrical engineer in the communications industry.  Though I had great science teachers and other meaningful influences as I grew older, my interests started very early.

Childhood gifts included many science based toys and kits like Erector Sets, chemistry sets, different physics based toys around magnetics and similar, etc.  These fueled the interest in science.  In the early '90s as a young teen, we got our first computer: the Macintosh Color Classic II.  I is nothing compared to technology opportunities that are available now, but showed what was possible with technology and raised my engagement even further.

That start inspired me into a field that has been 20+ years and continuing as an electrical engineer.  It has been great for me and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunities to guide me.

In college I joined the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).  This is a technical society key to electrical engineers and drives many of the standards and science that give society technology we have today.  It was through the IEEE that I was introduced to the IEEE SKPL program and immediately loved the idea.  The program supports public libraries in making science kits available for use in the same way they would books/etc.  I firmly stand behind the program as a great opportunity and encourage anyone interested to check it out (https://r4.ieee.org/skpl/), but found I wanted to streamline things a little more since local libraries do not have the staff for long/involve applications and processes.  So, in 2023 I reached out to some of the local libraries and asked if they'd be interested in a donation to cover some science kits.  The two for the year were Gilbert and Hoyt Lakes of the Arrowhead Public Library System.  I was able to work with their directors to get ~20 kits each, ranging in applicable age range from young through older teens.  The kits have been able to be used to give kids the opportunity to play with technology they otherwise wouldn't have and hopefully drive interest for the engineers of the future.  I plan to continue to support other local libraries and encourage others to if they are able (through IEEE SKPL or other opportunities).  Please reach out if interested.

https://www.alslib.info/ Arrowhead Public Library System

https://www.facebook.com/GilbertPublicLibrary Gilbert Public Library

https://www.hoytlakeslibrary.org/ Hoyt Lakes Public Library

https://www.mountainironlibrary.com/ Mt Iron Public Library