In a recent declaration, Governor Brad Little announced that February would officially be “STEM Matters Month” in Idaho.  STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) is an acronym designed to raise awareness of the importance of training in technical fields and the knowledge that underwrites them today.  As he stated in his official address, ""From logging to computer science, mining to healthcare, or teaching to business, the skills that STEM education fosters will propel Idaho students into high-paying, meaningful careers."

Deni Hoehne, director of talent development at WinCo Foods and chair of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, concurred, emphasizing STEM is everywhere.  "Every job is a STEM job," Hoehne said. "And the 37 members of the council constantly talk about that every time we're together -- what can we also be doing and thinking about STEM? For example, I am in the retail grocery industry. Do you know that the cart clerk operates a robot? The manager of a grocery store uses probably five different pieces of software just to get the products on the shelf right. The space planning department uses geometry constantly to figure out how many gelatin boxes can really fit if we also add some pudding there. It's all about geometry. If you want to teach your kids STEM, go to the grocery store. It's right there in front of them every day."

STEM has increasingly become a major focus of both educational and governmental initiatives over the last decade, and the Oneida County Library is no exception.

The Library, which has been the recipient of a number of recent STEM grants, hosts many opportunities for local residents of all ages to explore and avail themselves of a number of STEM technologies.

During the month of February, the library will be focusing specifically on STEM related activities related to the topic of medical science and Anatomy.  Classes for students K-2 are held on the first Tuesday of the month, 3-5 on the 2nd Tuesday, and 6th grade and older on the third Tuesday.  The classes are held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the library.  These “out of school” classes are designed to give students access to instructors for additional conceptual exploration of the month’s topic.  

The library has also teamed with 4-H to bring after school programs to students interested in further learning.  Those activities are held at the same hours on Thursdays.

Additionally, the library has backpacks of STEM study materials available to students for checkout at any time.  A recent grant has provided the library with a range of backpacks containing STEM kits, such as those focused on Robotics and other related subjects.  “We’ve had help from the kindergarten teachers putting these together,” said Jenny Sperri.  “There are books and projects related to all kinds of topics.”

Those interested, however, are not limited to just the classes or backpacks that are offered.  The library has a range of STEM materials available to anyone interested in reserving time to explore them.  For youth groups and other interested parties, the 3-D printer, Glowforge, CriCut machine, and leathercraft kits can be reserved by calling the library.  VR headsets are available for reservation for those thirteen and up.  Circuit boards, atom models, and other sets related to chemistry and physics can also be reserved.  A Glowforge class will be held at the library in March, with the specific date and time to be determined.   

A grant is currently underway to provide Chromebooks for Veterans and Seniors to learn computer and internet skills.  “And there’s a lot more to come in the future,” said Library Director Kathy Kent.  “We love STEM here!”