Sparklight Awards $5,000 Charitable Giving Fund Grant to Schroeder Family Exploreum

JOPLIN, Mo. (July 22, 2026) — The newly opened Schroeder Family Exploreum has received a $5,000 grant from leading internet and mobile provider Sparklight® to help expand science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) learning opportunities for children and families across the region. Awarded through the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, the grant will fund technology that supports interactive educational programming and hands-on learning experiences.

During its recent grant cycle, Sparklight awarded more than $125,000 in grants to 28 nonprofit organizations across the cities and towns it serves. By investing in programs that support children and families, address food insecurity, expand educational opportunities and build critical life skills, the funding is helping improve lives and strengthen local communities.

“Hands-on STEAM learning experiences help children build curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills that prepare them for lifelong success,” said Travis Harr, Sparklight Senior Regional Director, North Central. “We’re proud to support the Schroeder Family Exploreum as it expands opportunities for children and families to learn, discover and explore together.”

Museum leaders said the grant will help provide a vital technology foundation to meet the evolving needs of the community.

“We’re grateful to Sparklight for investing in our mission to make hands-on STEAM learning accessible to children and families throughout our region,” said Neely Myers, Schroeder Family Exploreum Executive Director. “This technology will strengthen our ability to serve visitors, deliver engaging educational experiences and continue growing alongside our community.”

Sparklight’s Charitable Giving Fund focuses on initiatives that create lasting, local impact, including education and digital literacy, hunger relief and community development. Since the Fund’s inception in 2020, Sparklight has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to more than 300 nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant during open application periods each spring and fall. Applications for the fall 2026 cycle will be accepted Oct. 1‒31, 2026.

For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.

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