“Discover STEM” Program to Expand Hands-on Science Learning for Downeast Students

Press Release

"Discover STEM" Program to Expand Hands-on Science Learning for Downeast Students

The MDI Biological Laboratory, Maine Seacoast Mission, and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust launch a new multi-site science enrichment program

BAR HARBOR, Maine (date) - The MDI Biological Laboratory, Maine Seacoast Mission, and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust today announced the launch of Washington County Discover STEM, a new multi-site science enrichment program serving roughly 100 students in the Mission's after-school programs in Milbridge, Harrington, and Addison.

Beginning in December, Dr. Elisabeth Marnik, MDI Bio Lab's Director of Science Education & Outreach, will lead a rotating series of hands-on STEM sessions at Mission-operated EdGE after-school sites in the local elementary schools. The program aims to spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen scientific literacy among children in rural coastal communities.

Supported by philanthropic funding from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Discover STEM will provide equipment, materials and educator time, along with optional professional-development opportunities for Mission staff and local educators who want to deepen their STEM facilitation skills.

The program will introduce students to basic concepts in biological research through hands on activities and experiments. One module, for instance, will feature California blackworms, freshwater organisms known for their regenerative abilities. Students will observe regeneration, design age-appropriate experiments, and explore how scientists investigate living systems.

Marnik will make multiple visits to each site over the school year so students can track results over time.

"STEM isn't just for future scientists. It's a way of thinking that helps young people make sense of the world around them," Marnik said. "When kids get the chance to do real experiments - ask questions, test ideas, and see living systems respond - they discover that science is something they can do, and even something they can love."

As she notes, U.S. elementary students receive under 20 minutes of science per day, and even by eighth grade the national average is about 30 minutes. Discover STEM seeks to address this gap locally by giving young learners meaningful, memorable exposure to the scientific process outside of school hours.

"I am grateful for this partnership that allows us to bring meaningful science experiences to students in our EdGE afterschool programs," said Isaac Marnik, the EdGE program's director. "Opportunities like this can not only be life changing and but also can ignite a lifelong interest in both STEM and learning."

The Washington County Discover STEM program begins this month, with additional updates and media opportunities to be announced as programming progresses.

"Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is thrilled to partner with MDI Biological Laboratory and Maine Seacoast Mission on this innovative initiative that will benefit nearly 100 children in Downeast Maine," said Jack Frost, BHBT's Director of Community Giving. "For nearly a decade, the Bank's philanthropic focus has been dedicated to education and workforce development programs and the Washington County Discover STEM fits perfectly within the fold."