About TRIP

The Science Alliance of Tennessee, a coalition of 6 museums across Tennessee, received a $1 million grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the Tennessee Rural Impact Project (TRIP). The funding from this grant has allowed the six museums to leverage our expertise, assets, and knowledge together so that we could research and better understand the needs of kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade students in rural communities.

This new understanding and the relationships that we have been able to establish with schools in rural communities has equipped us to be able to pilot several learning initiatives specific to the needs of rural students. Our museums have partnered with nine rural elementary schools to provide programming such as immersive lessons, field trips, and family nights. It is our hope that students develop a life-long love for learning, teachers feel more equipped and confident in their ability to provide STEM learning opportunities to their students, and communities feel empowered to support schools with their unique resources.

Mission

To foster children’s curiosity, wonder, and problem-solving skills using STEM curricula and community connections that set students on a positive trajectory of learning where they live and play.

• Develop relationships leading to co-creation across rural counties,

• Enhance STEM learning for children grades K-2, teachers and families,

• Identify and develop innovative deliverables that connect home, school, and community partners,

• Leverage the expertise and resources of the 6 Alliance museums that support STEM learning,

• Develop each museum's capacity to support rural communities in Tennessee.