Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, in partnership with Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate 21, and on behalf of the SHINEonPA STEM Ecosystem, has been awarded a $500,000 ​PAsmart Advancing Grant to equip community libraries with STEM and computer science-based resources. The libraries in the CIU 20 region cohort are Pocono Mountain Library, Eastern Monroe Library, The Cooperage Project, and Allentown Public Library.
The scope of the grant includes the purchase of technology equipment and software, along with the accompanying professional development. The first training was held on September 11th at the CIU 20 North Office in Stroudsburg, with plans to offer more events throughout the school year.
The SHINEonPA STEM Ecosystem is comprised of various community partners striving towards the mission of promoting STEM opportunities and 21st Century employability skills for all students.