The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is putting some skin in the game when it comes to education, funneling $100,000 into a new STEAM space for the San Bernardino County Museum. This hands-on learning environment will cater to children across the Inland Empire, blending STEM and the arts into a veritable playground of innovation—equipped with an augmented reality sandbox and circuit bench, among other interactive stations.
Announced with no small amount of tribal and local pride, "This interactive space, which combines innovation with honoring traditions and encourages play, will be a creative hub for children in the Inland Empire," Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena told officials. The investment recognizes the growing importance of STEAM fields, but doesn't forget the tradition—weaving is on the menu, too.
The museum's new STEAM space isn't just a fun house. It's set to deliver educational enrichment programs that could spark the imaginations of the county's students, possibly engendering the next generation of tech innovators and artists. "We are so pleased that San Manuel selected us for this generous grant," the Museum Foundation's Executive Director Brandon Mulder expressed his gratitude in a statement.
These funds, aiming to both educate and entertain, are seen as a critical investment in the future. "Our museum is growing and evolving, and it is through support like this that we can truly begin to change lives and inspire a positive new tomorrow," Museum Director David Myers optimistically told the public. Meanwhile, the museum continues its mission by keeping its doors open Tuesdays through Sundays and charging a modest fee for general admission – ensuring accessibility for all who are interested.
For more background on the generous benefactors, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians holds a storied history in the region. Not only as a federally recognized tribe but as an entity that exercises its sovereignty through substantial community involvement in the San Bernardino highlands. The tribe's forward-thinking approach to education and partnership with local initiatives is evident in their historical support of the museum and broader community programs.
