Center in the Square News Release
Roanoke, VA - Kid’s Square is honored to have been awarded the American Electric Power Foundation grant in the amount of $50,000. Rather than allowing COVID-19 to limit the quantity of children being able to learn inside of our museum, this generous grant will allow Kids Square to offer STEAM-based, play based learning outside of Kids Square's walls. By partnering with our school systems, park and recreational facilities and other non-profit organizations, children of any economic status may continue to develop the foundational skills that they need to become lifelong learners. Together, we will not let COVID-19 stand in the way of our children's education!
Kids Square will continue its "Kits for Kids" program by which children of all demographic levels have enjoyed building, creating, and problem solving. Each kit contains three to four STEAM focused, play-based learning activities that can be experienced individually in the classroom or at home. All of the items needed for each activity are already included in the kits. This is especially important in classroom settings where minimizing shared materials and practicing social distancing are so important. AEP Foundation is making it possible for Kids Square to continue its mission of learning through play through the new hands-on, “Kits for Kids” activities which are vital to children’s development in a time where hands-off is encouraged due to COVID-19.
AEP Foundation is also making it possible for Kids Square to purchase equipment and materials to offer some of the coolest science experiments and play-based learning opportunities around. Kids Square will take their demonstrations and select exhibits on the road in areas where social distancing is easy to accomplish. Families will enjoy a fun experience together, kids will be full of smiles and everyone will continue learning together.
Kids Square Executive Director, Felicia Branham states: “We are so grateful to receive a grant like this from such a community-minded organization like American Electric Power!”