The Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) is activating its collections through one-of-a-kind educational experiences for local and regional students thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation.
The grant will support the museum’s 2026–27 VMNH Science Outreach Initiative, a year-long effort designed to bring engaging, need-based STEM education opportunities to students and families throughout Martinsville, Henry County and the surrounding region.
The initiative combines education program scholarships provided to schools with STEM-focused programming offered to the public through the museum’s family science festivals and exhibitions, helping more students experience the excitement of science both inside and outside of the classroom.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation,” said VMNH Deputy Director Ryan Barber. “Its longstanding support has helped us bring meaningful educational experiences to students across our community, and we’re grateful to have it alongside us again this school year. With this latest investment, we can expand access to museum education through need-based scholarships for local public schools while also strengthening the STEM experiences we offer at our family science festivals. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for students and families to discover, explore, and get excited about science.”
As part of the grant, VMNH will establish education scholarships for kindergarten through fifth-grade students attending Martinsville City and Henry County public schools during the 2026–27 school year.
The scholarships will help school groups visit VMNH for immersive experiences that go beyond a traditional field trip. Students can not only explore the museum’s exhibit galleries but also take part in standards-based educational programs led by the museum’s education team that cover a wide range of topics from natural history and science to technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Thanks to the foundation’s generous support, more students throughout Martinsville and Henry County can experience the excitement of hands-on STEM learning at the museum,” said VMNH Education Manager Christy Deatherage. “These scholarships open the door for school groups to explore our exhibits and take part in standards-based programs that bring science to life. From natural history and technology to engineering and mathematics, students have the opportunity to ask questions, make discoveries and see how STEM connects to the world around them.”
The grant will also help VMNH expand STEM programming during the museum’s 2027 lineup of family-oriented science festivals. These popular events attract visitors from communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina, offering families opportunities to explore science through interactive, hands-on experiences.
“Our science festivals continue to grow in popularity, and with that growth comes an exciting opportunity to deepen the learning experiences,” Barber said. “This grant helps us make sure that when families come through the doors, they’re not only having a great time, but that they’re also discovering new ideas and leaving with a deeper appreciation for the science all around them.”
Teachers and administrators who are interested in applying for education scholarships can contact the museum at [email protected].
To learn more about the museum’s education programs, exhibits and upcoming public events, visit www.vmnh.net.
