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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $2,500 in grant funding from NASA in partnership with Twin Cities PBS, Space Science Institute, National Girls Collaborative, and NASA Langley Research Center to support networks advancing gender equity and youth involvement in STEM through mentorship and programming at the Grand Library Makerspace and amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget via Budget Amendment 23.059. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $2,500 in grant funding from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in partnership with Twin Cities Public Broadcast Service (PBS), Space Science Institute, National Girls Collaborative, and NASA Langley Research Center to support networks advancing gender equity and youth involvement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through mentorship and programming at the Grand Library Makerspace and amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (FY22-23) Operating Budget via Budget Amendment 23.059.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Library Department has been awarded $2,500 from NASA to support networks advancing gender equity and youth involvement in STEM through mentorship and programming at the Grand Library Makerspace. This is part of a NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrow’s Youth (NIFTY) initiative from Twin Cities PBS in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative, Space Science Institutes, and NASA Langley Research Center committed to funding efforts that cultivate a culture shift in girls and youth to build their interest in STEM careers. We are honored to be one of 20 organizations nationwide to receive this grant. Funds will be used to purchase activity and program supplies. STEM workshop activities will be available in English and Spanish in addition to being held near current gender equity exhibits at Grand Library. This grant also includes a professional development workshop for library staff to ensure programs are grounded in STEM research as well as diversity and inclusion principles.
In South San Francisco, 30.4% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. The Grand Avenue Library is located near downtown where an average of 19% of households are limited English speaking households, and around 70% of these households are families. Of the English learners enrolled in public schools, Spanish is the most widely used primary language. Schools within walking distance of Grand Avenue Library have high student populations eligible for free lunch as well. Hispanic and Latino populations continue to be underrepresented in STEM education and careers, especially the female identifying segments of these populations.
From past surveys and focus groups, our communities have stated a desire for more after school activities with a STEM focus. To inspire and encourage this community, programs and activities will be created where students and families can participate and be involved in an environment where they can see a community like themselves, as leaders in STEM education. Being in an environment with bilingual displays of women in STEM paired with the opportunity for hands-on learning as well as opportunities to interact with NASA STEM professionals would be highly impactful for Spanish speaking students and create a sense of belonging especially for female identifying students who are greatly underrepresented in STEM.
FISCAL IMPACT
Grant funds will be used to amend the Library Department’s current FY 22-23 Operating Budget per Budget Amendment 23.059. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing funding.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Grant funding to support gender equity and inclusion at Grand Library Makerspace will provide additional opportunities for females and minorities in STEM with hands-on learning and mentorship for South San Francisco students from NASA STEM role models. In addition, a provided professional development workshop for library staff to ensure the strengthening of learning programs is an action item in the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2: Quality of Life.
CONCLUSION
Receipt of these funds will support gender equity and youth involvement in STEM at Grand Library Makerspace with hands-on STEM, mentorship opportunities, and further establish a STEM space for bilingual families. It is recommended that the City Council accept $2,500 in grant funding and amend the Library Department’s FY 22-23 Operating Budget via Budget Amendment 23.059.