How children's museums are reaching out to low-income youth

Engaging children is an important part of their cognitive development, but many low-income parents may not have the time, financial resources, or knowledge on how to best help their children learn and grow. Museums have a unique opportunity to help engage children and teach their families how to increase their cognitive abilities.

The Louisiana Children's Museum offers Family Camp, a free, eight-week program which teaches parents how to prepare their elementary-aged children for school. Parents learn the about cognitive, as well as physical, emotional, and social development of their children. And every week, the families receive an age-appropriate book which fits with that week’s theme!

The Miami Science Center offers a number of programs for youth to learn about and develop skills in science and technology, but the Upward Bound:IMPACT (Integrated Marine Program and Computer Training) is what really makes them stand out. Upward Bound is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO programs which seeks to prepare low-income, first-generation college students for post-secondary education. In October 1999, the Miami Science Center became the first museum to be named an Upward Bound Math and Science Center. As IMPACT participants, students have after-school access to the museum where they can utilize computer labs, free-tutoring, or check out electronic equipment such as laptops and digital cameras. The program offers college preparation, weekly science programs, and an immersive summer marine program.

In an extreme example of low-income families, the Young At Art Children’s Museum in Davie, Florida has created an after-school program for homeless youth. ArtREACH (Reconnecting & Educating Adolescents through Creativity & Hope) is a collaboration between the museum, the Broward County School Board, and the Salvation Army, and is held in facilities at the local homeless shelter. Children can attend the program between 2 and 6 p.m. and participate in art-based curriculum, outdoors education, and homework assistance. Once a month the children visit the museum to participate in hands-on activities. This program offers peace-of-mind to parents and a fun and engaging outlet for children who wouldn’t normally have access to after-school programs.

These are just a few examples of how museums are engaging and educating low-income children and their families. As emerging museum professionals, how will you use your museum’s resources to help these children grow into happy and productive adults?