There is a need within our community for students to have equitable access to high quality STEAM education that provides a foundation of knowledge that stimulates interest in STEAM-related careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 30 occupations projected to grow the most in the next 10 years, more than 60% are in the STEAM fields. Only 30% of students in U.S. schools are prepared for college-level science courses and for a career in STEAM.

In partnership with local school corporations, Career & Technical Education and local business partners, the La Porte County Public Library developed a mobile classroom. This mobile classroom will provide students across school systems in La Porte County with cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant hands-on lessons that prepare them for a wide range of high-skill, high-demand careers. Students will have equitable access to the mobile classroom and receive a high quality experience.

The mobile classroom provides students in grades 3-8 with inquiry-based lessons on engineering, science and technology enabling them to develop awareness of their own abilities and interests. Elementary lessons provide powerful experiences to spur interest in the science, math, and career and technical education. Middle school lessons cover digital citizenship, industrial technology, computing, automation and robotics and medicine. Lessons will correlate with state academic standards for college and career readiness.