Madison Community Foundation backs unique learning experiences as anniversary gift for August

(photo courtesy of the Bubbler) 

Last Thursday, the Madison Community Foundation (MCF) announced “Beyond the Bubbler,” their fourth of 12 major gifts totaling roughly $1 million as a part of the organization’s 75th anniversary celebration.

MCF will work with Madison Public Library and The Bubbler for their latest initiative, one that will “provide unique learning experiences for youth who attend Madison-area neighborhood and community centers,” according to a statement from the nonprofit.

The $55,000 grant will make The Bubbler’s — Madison Public Library’s makerspace program — pop-up workshops available at 13 Madison-area community centers. Currently, these make-and-take workshops are only offered at Madison Public Library’s nine branches and partner locations, according to The Bubbler’s website.

“We are incredibly grateful to Madison Community Foundation. This support allows more children to participate in open ended maker programs and experience learning in new ways,” Rebecca Millerjohn, a Youth Services Librarian at Madison Public Library’s Sequoya branch, said in the statement.

The grant will also support professional development and training resources, and allow for the hiring of guest artists to leader maker programs, according to the statement.

Beyond the Bubbler’s first program will be hosted at the Bayview Community Center, and will allow the center “to help many more children in [the Madison] community learn in new and interesting ways,” according to Alexis London, the center’s executive director.

Additional programming and expansion to other sites will begin in 2018.

“Beyond the Bubbler expands our magnificent public library offerings to a wider, more diverse audience,” MCF president Bob Sorge said. “Makerspace activities encourage creativity, build confidence, and help prepare our youth for Madison’s burgeoning entrepreneurial economy.”