Foundation Awards $10,000 Putnam STEM Grant

The funding will support the museum’s STEM curriculum and programming. It includes expanded middle-school career exploration, hands-on learning experiences and access for children and families facing financial barriers. Invited children and families from low-income and traditionally underrepresented communities will have access to the Science Center and other galleries.

Museum Programs Expand

The Putnam Museum will use the grant to partner with schools on new units for students in grades K–8. Programming outside school will include AI Lego workshops for middle schoolers, STEAM Saturdays and a no-cost event for families with limited financial resources.

Cindy Diehl Yang, president and CEO of the Putnam Museum, said:

“We’re honored to receive this American Water Charitable Foundation grant. It will allow us to both partner with schools to enhance STEM curiosity and skills through new units for students in grades K–8 and help us serve students outside of school via means such as new AI Lego workshops for middle schoolers, STEAM Saturdays, and a no-cost event for families with limited financial resources. We are truly grateful for the Foundation’s and Iowa American Water’s commitment to giving kids the skills and knowledge necessary to flourish in modern society,”

Access For Families

Invited children and families from low-income and traditionally underrepresented communities will have access to the Science Center and other galleries. Iowa American Water employees have also volunteered or presented activities at the museum.

Brad Nielsen, president of Iowa American Water, said:

“At Iowa American Water, we’re proud to support STEM education that helps young people see what’s possible for their future. Hands-on experiences at the Putnam Museum can spark an interest in science and technology and help build the pipeline of future professionals our industry and communities need. Through the American Water Charitable Foundation’s support, this grant also helps open doors for children and families facing financial barriers, giving more students the opportunity to explore, learn and envision themselves in a STEM career.”

Keep Communities Flowing

The grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on Water, People and Communities. Its STEM Education grants support STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs for students.

Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation, said:

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support initiatives that provide access to high-quality learning students need to be successful. We take pride in supporting Iowa American Water’s continued efforts to be a responsible neighbor and partner in the community.”