Gateway Technical College gave Ulysses Sanchez the skills and confidence to help his family’s business thrive. This success story reveals how a supportive educational environment can spark growth far beyond the classroom.

Mimi’s Mini Farm Mobile Petting Zoo made a special appearance at the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library on July 14, giving young visitors a rare chance to meet friendly farm animals up close. This hands-on summer event delighted local families and demonstrated the library’s commitment to creative youth programming.

Nestled in northern Minnesota, the Ely Folk School provides hands-on experiences for children eager to explore local traditions. Its mission encourages students to connect with wilderness, craft, and community.

Duke Energy renewed its commitment to Wilbur Wright Elementary’s Career Exploration Summer School with an $8,500 grant. The funding enables students to engage with practical, career-focused activities that shape their learning experience.

At Livingston Collegiate Academy in New Orleans East, a small class of ninth graders built a miniature pumping system to keep their city from flooding—at least in theory. Their classroom exercise underscored the real complexities of water management when the model failed.

Livingston Center for Art and Culture invites artists of all backgrounds to “Come As Thou ART,” a hands-on, mentorship-based program from late January through early February 2026. Participants will learn, create, and exhibit their work in a supportive gallery environment, guided by experienced mentors. This initiative aims to foster community and artistic growth for creators at any level.

The Utica Children’s Museum is welcoming school-aged kids for winter break programs designed to spur creativity, imagination, and movement. Families can drop in for engaging sessions, all included with admission.

Escalante Middle School students are finding fresh ways to cultivate herbs and produce in a thriving greenhouse class—even in the dead of winter. Through a warm, flourishing hydroponic oasis, they’re stocking the school cafeteria while discovering the value of hands-on agriculture.

Members of Richland County’s 4-H Helping Hands Club got a real-world look at laser engraving on Sunday, Nov. 9. Their visit to Distinction Custom Laser Designs LLC & Metalworks allowed them to explore how technology and creativity come together in modern manufacturing.

Lake Mills Community Schools is taking scientific exploration to new heights through Drone Designers: Exploring STEM Careers. Fuelled by a grant from the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program, this hands-on initiative brings an exciting dimension to science, technology, engineering, and math.