The National Science Foundation has given a distinguished grant of $2,000,000 to our Kaulele Program, which will be disbursed over the next five years. This moves us forward in our efforts to build an indigenous-led design framework for STEM exhibitions. This recognition is significant not just for the financial support it gives, but also for the affirmation of our objective to develop impactful STEM learning experiences anchored in indigenous wisdom and views.
Our ultimate objective is to determine our approach’s potential to consistently deliver results and have long-lasting impacts across several exhibits, as well as to investigate a wide range of cultural practices. As a result, this award serves as a catalyst for scientific inclusion and enlightenment, breaking down the obstacles that have traditionally kept underrepresented people out of the realm of science.
We are pleased to announce our intention to design, manufacture, and rigorously test two immersive applied STEM learning installations as part of this project. These displays will be informative as well as engaging, with a plethora of hands-on exploratory STEM activities designed to capture the imaginations of people from all walks of life. Our goal is to ignite the magic of scientific discovery, regardless of one’s background or cultural history.
The National Science Foundation funding ushers in a new era for our team, and the potential for indigenous-led STEM activities. We sincerely thank the National Science Foundation for entrusting us with the fulfillment of this remarkable initiative. As we begin on this exciting path, we invite you, our community, and supporters, to keep in regular contact with us.
