Thanks to funding from NSERC PromoScience, Mini University at Brandon University is developing a new STEM Lending Library to support teachers and classrooms with hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math learning materials. This initiative will benefit both Mini University and local schools by allowing STEM equipment and materials to be shared between Mini U programs and classrooms. By building a shared collection of high-quality resources, we can make better use of equipment year-round while helping teachers access materials that may be difficult to purchase for individual classrooms.
The library will initially be available to K-8 classrooms from schools within the following divisions:
- Brandon School Division
- Turtle Mountain School Division
- Southwest Horizon School Division
- Fort La Bosse School Division
- Rolling River School Division
- Beautiful Plains School Division
- Park West School Division
(Please note that the lending library is currently for grade K-8 teachers, but we may be able to expand in future years to grades 9-12 if there is enough demand. See survey link below.) Also, Mini U STEM lending library membership and bookings will be available to classroom teachers who are employed on a term or permanent contract within one of the eligible school divisions and grades. Substitute teachers are not eligible to register for library membership or borrow materials at this time.
The exact collection is still being finalized, but the library is expected to include items such as robotics equipment, science manipulatives, classroom activity kits, and other STEM learning tools that teachers can borrow for use with their students. Some equipment may require borrowers to attend a free training or demonstration session before borrowing the item, so that teachers feel confident using the materials safely and effectively in their classrooms.
We plan to open bookings toward the middle of August 2026, with equipment available for classroom use after September 1. More details on how to register for STEM lending library membership will be shared closer to the launch date.
As we build the library, we would love to hear from teachers about what equipment, kits, and resources would be most useful in their classrooms. Teacher feedback will help us prioritize future purchases and shape the lending library so it is practical, accessible, and relevant to local schools.
Teachers are invited to complete a short feedback survey to share their ideas, wishlist items, and classroom needs. This survey will help us gather teacher feedback as we finalize the library collection. Teachers may also choose to provide express consent to receive electronic newsletters and promotions from Mini U, including updates about STEM lending library membership registration, booking availability, field trip programming, and other announcements.