YMCA, Salvation Army Secure $850K Grant to Expand STEAM Learning for Joliet Families

U.S. Rep Lauren Underwood joined YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, Salvation Army Corps Administrator Envoy Scott Hurula, and Major K. Kendall Mathews, Associate Chicago Area Commander, for a check presentation on Wednesday (Photo Courtesy of the Salvation Army). Families in Joliet will soon have access to new learning opportunities, thanks to an $850,000 grant awarded to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding will help establish a family innovations lab and a STEAM-focused after-school program at The Salvation Army of Joliet. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, who played a key role in securing the grant, joined YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, Salvation Army Corps Administrator Envoy Scott Hurula, and Major K. Kendall Mathews, Associate Chicago Area Commander, on Wednesday for a check presentation. The grant will provide the needed facility upgrades at The Salvation Army of Joliet. The new facility will include: A computer programming and coding lab featuring robotics and 3D printing. A fine arts studio for painting, sculpture, vocal and instrumental music. A video production studio equipped with green screen technology. A maker space where families can explore and create together. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA will staff the...