University of Montana

The University of Montana's Broader Impacts Group with its spectrUM Discovery Center will partner with the Missoula Food Bank and the Missoula Public Library to create a Family Learning Area at the food bank. The Family Learning Area will serve as a space where young learners and their families can experience hands-on exhibits, read and listen to stories, develop literacy skills, work on homework, interact with educational and career role models, and have access to nutritious meals and snacks. The partners will provide a permanent science exhibit with visiting STEM role models, a rotating book selection, weekly storytime programs and activities, and visits from a mobile computer lab. The project will provide a replicable model for collaborations between museums, libraries, and food banks to close opportunity and achievement gaps, engage underserved community members in hands-on learning experiences, and inspire youth to pursue higher education and rewarding careers.