Early Learning Challenge Grant

In 2011, Massachusetts was one of nine states to win a federal Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant (RTTT-ELC grant) to spur innovation in statewide systems of education. The Early Learning Challenge was designed to close the achievement gap for high needs children and to ensure that all children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

Boston Children’s Museum was selected by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to implement a statewide strategy to bolster the capacity of museums and libraries to collaborate in their local communities by offering more support and resources for STEM activities, a focus on kindergarten readiness, early literacy programming, and participation in the state’s Brain Building in Progress campaign.

Between 2011 and 2015, the RTTT-ELC grant led by Jeri Robinson and Beth Fredericks Director Museums/Libraries Project produced the Massachusetts Museums/Libraries Network. It is comprised of 56 libraries and 49 museums across the state. Participating museums included: Boston Children’s Museum, the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River. Historic New England representing 36 historic properties. The Museum of Science Boston, Zoo New England, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Museum of Fine Art in Boston, Springfield Museum, Cape Ann Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

The Museums/Libraries Project was overseen by the Department of Early Education and Care. Materials produced by Boston Children’s Museum with Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant funding are downloadable and free to use without any formal permission of these organizations.