The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is fueling STEM education in 47 Iowa communities, including five here in the listening area, with a recent donation to regional libraries. Through its Henry’s Heroes Program, the foundation has delivered 50 STEM carts to public libraries across the state, enabling children to cultivate their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. Employees of Iowa Select Farms nominated local libraries for the carts, aiming to inspire future innovators and creators. The STEM carts feature an array of toys and kits encouraging both structured and organic play deeply rooted in STEM concepts. The Early, Grand Junction, Lohrville, Rockwell City, and Schleswig Public Libraries will each receive one of these carts. These resources bridge academic learning with real-world applications, helping children make connections between school subjects and potential careers. Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms, says, “Our public libraries are a beacon for children across the state, particularly in rural communities. We are thankful to be able to impact children’s learning across Iowa, especially as libraries work so hard to maintain programming while being underfunded.” This initiative, championed by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, bolsters the learning prospects for Iowa’s youth. The complete list of recipients is included below.
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Aalfs Downtown Library, Sioux City
Ackley Public Library, Ackley
Adel Public Library, Adel
Alden Public Library, Alden
Algona Public Library, Algona
Allison Public Library, Allison
Aplington Legion Memorial Library, Aplington
Barlow Library, Iowa Falls
Chariton City Library, Chariton
Clarion Public Library, Clarion
Colo Public Library, Colo
Coulter Public Library, Coulter
Dayton Public Library, Dayton
Eagle Grove Memorial Library, Eagle Grove
Early Public Library, Early
Eldora Public Library, Eldora
Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
Elma Public Library (Elma Bibliotheca), Elma
Gibson Memorial Library, Gibson
Gilmore City Public Library, Gilmore City
Grand Junction Public Library, Grand Junction
Gutekunst Public Library, State Center
Hampton Public Library, Hampton
Hudson Public Library, Hudson
Humeston Public Library, Humeston
J.J. Hands Public Library, Lohrville
Kanawha Public Library, Kanawha
Karl Miles LeCompte Memorial, Corydon
Kendall Young Library, Webster City
Kling Memorial Library, Grundy Center
Kothe Memorial Library, Parkersburg
Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr
Murray Public Library, Murray
Newell Library, Newell
Orient Public Library, Orient
Osage Public Library, Osage
Osceola Public Library, Osceola
Rembrandt Public Library, Rembrandt
Riceville Public Library, Riceville
Rockford Public Library, Rockford
Rockwell City Public Library, Rockwell City
Schleswig Public Library, Schleswig
Stacyville Public Library, Stacyville
Stubbs Memorial Library, Holstein
Talbot Belmond Public Library, Belmond
Whittemore Iowa Public Library, Whittemore
Williams Public Library, Williams
