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KidSenses Children's Museum has been awarded $112,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to purchase program equipment for use in the four Engagement Zones in The FACTORY, KidSenses' new learning center, which is in its final stage of construction. These interactive learning spaces include the Tech Lab, Food Studio, Make It Place, and Idea Lab. KidSenses Children's Museum and The FACTORY will comprise an over 27,000 square foot campus designed to meet the needs for informal learning for youth of all ages in western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. This award is part of ARC's Area Development Program, which empowers Appalachian communities to work with their state governments to develop essential infrastructure, business, and workforce development projects that fuel economic growth.
"We are so very grateful to ARC for this timely grant", said Willard Whitson, KidSenses Executive Director. "As we near the completion of FACTORY construction we are excited to have this support for the purchase of tools and technology required to engage our young visitors. In The FACTORY youth of all ages (especially teens) will be able to engage in fun and exciting STEM activities. Our goal is to stimulate curiosity and help youths find pathways to their own personal futures."
"This grant is a monumental investment into Rutherfordton and our greater community by providing the tools and hope for stronger and more vibrant growth. The FACTORY will help the youth of our community craft a future for themselves through the exploration of many innovative as well as traditional paths of inquiry, providing huge inspiration for our next generation. The Town of Rutherfordton is excited to see The FACTORY come to life, and is already supporting its growth through its rich collaboration with the town's Norris Public Library", said Doug Barrick, Rutherfordton Town Manager.
"As Vice President of KidSenses' Board of Directors I speak for all my Board colleagues and the many hundreds of thousands of visiting children and their families in expressing sincere thanks to ARC for its financial support for this important project, and for its commitment to help youth, many of whom are at risk in our region, develop the passions and skills which will serve them well as they mature into adulthood", said Brian W. King, Managing Partner of King Law Offices.
ARC's Area Development Program supports economic development in the Appalachian Region with investments in two general project areas: critical infrastructure, which includes water systems, transportation, broadband, and other brick-and-mortar investments; and business/workforce development, which includes entrepreneurship, workforce training, food systems, and capacity-building investments.
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. Area Development awards are issued on a rolling basis and originate in consultation with ARC state program managers. Learn more about the funding and how to apply: https://www.arc.gov/area-development-program/
KidSenses Children's Interactive Museum is located at 172 N. Main Street in Historic Downtown Rutherfordton. For information about the museum and the FACTORY expansion, please visit www.kidsenses.org or www.factorymuseum.org. Be sure to "Like us" on Facebook.
