The Tech awarded $149,710 grant to foster design thinking, innovation
SAN JOSE, CA – The Tech Museum of Innovation has won a prestigious national grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The $149,710 grant will be used to create several “Design Process Areas” throughout the museum’s galleries. These additions are creative spaces packed with tools that nurture design thinking.
The IMLS funds will support The Tech’s goal to advance the institution through experiential learning by introducing visitors to new technologies and ways of thinking about everyday problems. As part of The Tech’s plan to revitalize and remake exhibit experiences, emphasis will be placed on hands-on design challenges, 21st century skills, and Common Core Standards. Underserved communities and schools will play an integral part in the development, evaluation, and prototyping of these spaces. The Design Process Areas will provide spaces, tools, and learning opportunities to all visitors while also focusing on groups of students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and learners.
“The Tech is proud to be the recipient of this distinguished honor,” said President Tim Ritchie. “The award will enable continued outreach to more communities and inspire ingenuity. Those who come to the institution will experience an environment that celebrates collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking.”
IMLS museum grants support a wide variety of projects that create learning experiences, strengthen communities, care for collections, and provide broad public access. Of 554 applications received, a total of 196 were selected to receive funding for projects.
“Our grants are highly competitive. The Institute of Museum and Library Services enlists hundreds of library and museum professionals throughout the United States to review grant applications and make recommendations on projects most worthy of funding,” said IMLS Director Susan H. Hildreth. “Receiving a grant from IMLS is a significant achievement, and we congratulate The Tech for being among the 2014 IMLS museum grantees.”
A complete list of museum recipients is available on the IMLS website atwww.imls.gov/2014MuseumList. For information about IMLS museum grant programs, see: www.imls.gov/applicants/available_grants.aspx.
Contact
Michelle Tran
Public Relations Specialist
1-408-795-6321
mtran@thetech.org
About The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum—located in the Capital of Silicon Valley —is a non-profit, experiential learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing applied technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge presented by Cisco, our annual team-design competition for youth, and internationally renowned program to honor technology benefiting humanity, The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, The Tech endeavors to inspire the innovator in everyone.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visitwww.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
