The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Selby Foundation to create a new "STEAM Machine" mobile classroom that will increase ELC's educational fleet to six vehicles.

The new STEAM Machine will have access for those with disabilities and be constructed from a school bus donated to the ELC by the School District of Manatee County. The Selby Foundation grant will contribute to the exterior and interior buildout, custom wrap, and high-end technology. The STEAM curriculum focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. ELC's STEAM curriculum engages early learners in real projects within authentic environments and lays the academic groundwork for math and science.