Grow your confidence in STEAM activities with PLIX!

Are you a public library professional in the United States interested in creative learning and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEAM) activities, while fostering connections with other collaborators in similar roles?

If so, the PLIX Team at the MIT Media Lab invites you to apply for our 2023-2024 Creative Learning Ambassador Program. From October 2023 through May 2024, you would be part of a cozy cohort, trying out creative STEAM activities, and learning about hands-on creative learning!

Whether you can 🪄create magic with paper, are ✂️ always running with scissors, OR can 🍰 entice 3D printers to do your bidding, we’re excited to get to know you and learn from the creative and playful ways you engage with your public library patrons.

You are:

• Curious and excited to bring more creative, hands-on (STEAM) programming to your library patrons!
• A library professional in a public library setting in the United States
• New to, or familiar with STEAM activities!

We are:

• A team of educators and researchers passionate about hands-on creative learning programming for all ages
• Deeply committed to developing creative STEAM learning programs that are accessible and inclusive

Together we will:

• Create a cozy cohort of library professionals who are excited to bring creative learning to our communities, library systems, and libraries across the United States

👉 Please note, previous STEAM experience is not required!

Our previous Ambassadors loved:

• 💗 Collaborating, creating, and sharing with fellow Ambassadors
• 📦 Trying out PLIX activities opportunities (and getting free materials)
• ✂️ Learning how creative STEAM activities are designed from the ground up
• 🎶 The music we play during our meetings (“Take my breath away” and They Might be Giants are some of our favorites)
• 🎖 Receiving professional recognition (certificate of program completion)

So come join us as an Ambassador—we look forward to getting to know you.

Interested in learning more about PLIX? Visit our website! 

FAQ’s

How do I know if I am qualified to be a Creative Learning Ambassador?

• Are you a public library professional in the United States who is curious and excited to expand hands-on programming in your library?  Do you like to learn and try new things? Are you interested in expanding STEAM offerings at your library? This could be a perfect fit for you!

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Ambassadors should be professionals working in (not just with) public libraries within the United States (including territories and bases).

How will I connect with other Ambassadors?

• The Ambassador Program includes regular monthly (virtual) gatherings with the cohort—to get to know one another, share updates and ideas, and discuss and plan potential activities

What exactly will I do as an Ambassador?

• Try out new PLIX activities with us
• Facilitate creative STEAM Workshops in your library based on PLIX activities
• Collaborate and connect with fellow Ambassadors
• Participate in the PLIX online community
• Invite colleagues to try creative STEM learning activities
• Sharing your work on creative STEM learning on social media, and at professional gatherings
• [Your ideas here!]

Is there funding available?

• Yes! We will provide materials and reimbursement for program supplies

What would my time commitment be?

• You will determine this depending on what kind(s) of project(s) you take on!
• We anticipate 1–2 hours per week—with PLIX or with your own community.
• The program runs from October 2023 through May 2024.