Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Initiates $5,000 Matching Challenge to Support Local Scouting Mobile STEM Lab

Macon County – The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) is partnering with Scouting America to launch a $5,000 matching challenge on September 15 to help raise $10,000 in annual support for the Central Illinois Mobile STEM Lab.

Through the challenge, HICF will match eligible donations to the Mobile STEM Lab dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000. The goal is to double the impact of community support and ensure the Mobile STEM Lab can continue bringing hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math experiences to Scouts, schools, and community groups throughout Central Illinois.

Since opening in 2023, the Central Illinois Mobile STEM Lab has served 6,956 youth through 83 community reservations. The Lab has participated in Scouting programs and summer camps throughout the region, and has partnered with organizations including the Macon County Conservation District, the Children’s Museum of Illinois, local schools and libraries, and several community events.

The Mobile STEM Lab currently features 13 unique STEM experiences, including coding robots, drones, virtual reality, Snap Circuits, and other hands-on activities designed to make STEM learning engaging and accessible. With continued development of technology, investing in this program will allow for new experiences and the ability to properly update current ones.

“Programs like the Mobile STEM Lab demonstrate what is possible when we create opportunities for young people to explore, ask questions, and discover interests they may not otherwise be able to encounter. Hands-on experiences are key to student learning,” said Andrea Gerhard, HICF Director of Scholarships & Grants. “We are excited to partner with Scouting America on this matching challenge because every dollar raised helps extend the reach of this program and introduce more young people to the possibilities within STEM.”

The $10,000 fundraising goal represents the Central Illinois Mobile STEM Lab’s annual operating need. Funds raised will support new equipment, updating and replacement of current equipment, the continued development of new and relevant programming, maintenance of the vehicle and its contents, marketing, program supplies, and a part-time staff member.

According to David Lane, Assistant Director of Field Service with Greater St. Louis Area Scouting, Scouting America, Scouting itself has grown to new levels. “Scouting is far more than hiking and camping – it opens doors to hobbies, interests, sciences, and future careers.” Scouting America provides programs designed to build character, teach participatory citizenship, and develop personal fitness. The organization serves youth through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, and community outreach.

Lane added, “Scouting’s STEM initiative gives young people the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math, to see how STEM is used in everyday life and the professional world, and to build interest in the STEM careers that are increasingly vital to our economy.” The Central Illinois Mobile STEM Lab extends that mission beyond registered Scouts, bringing programming directly to schools and community organizations throughout the region.

Since opening, the Lab has served nearly 7,000 kids through dozens of community partnerships and event reservations. They look forward to being able to connect with even more. Support helps keep the programming relevant and ensures demand can be met when adding additional schools and community groups to be served.

The $5,000 HICF match begins September 15 and will be available until the matching funds are exhausted. The campaign will conclude October 15. Community members, businesses, schools, and organizations are encouraged to participate and help double the impact of their support.

To learn more about the Central Illinois STEM Lab and make a gift toward the matching challenge, you can Text STEMLAB to 41444 or visit stlbsa.org/stemlab.