Thanks to a $3,250 grant from FedEx Corporation, teens in Cranbury and surrounding areas will have more opportunities to participate in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) classes and events at the Cranbury Public Library.  “Already we have put some of the funds to good use by purchasing five Chromebooks for teens to checkout and use in the library,” said Joanne Dera the library’s Technology Specialist.  “We also offer coding classes, engineering challenges, and maker projects.”

The ultimate goal of the grant is to help construct, equip and furnish the teen and creative spaces in new library and community center.  These spaces will give teens in Cranbury a place to use technology and work collaboratively on projects of their choice.  “For now our dream of a new library with separate areas for adults, children and teens has been put on hold until the Construction Bond Act funds become available,” said Marilynn Mullen, Library Director, “but we wanted to get the teens excited about the new space and the possibilities there.   Purchasing the Chromebooks now and offering more technology classes provide a small step toward our future.”

Last summer Foundation members learned that FedEx Corporation offers charitable grants to programs that assist teens and young adults in learning skills that lead to greater access to jobs and opportunity, especially in the fields of technology and logistics. Foundation members applied for the FedEx grant to help fund the new Teen and Creative space. – a S.T.E.A.M. Initiative.  To be successful in today’s world it is imperative for teens to have a basic understanding of technology, including computer coding and engineering, as well as to develop collaborative skills.  Currently Cranbury has no space for teens to congregate and work together productively.  This initiative will give teens the equipment, training in its use, and the space to work together.  Learning these skills will open new opportunities to them and help them to succeed in future endeavors.