About Science Kit for Public Libraries (SKPL)

Our Purpose

The children who will become tomorrow’s engineers are everywhere, but access to hands-on STEM learning is not.

SKPL exists because we believe all children should have access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning experiences. By making catalyst grants available to public libraries, we empower them to start their own science kit collections that are free and accessible to the public.

Where It All Started

While serving on the board of the Mount Prospect Public Library (MPPL), IEEE Senior Life Member, John Zulaski, came up with an idea that would marry the role of public libraries with the notion that science kits could be checked out as easily as library books. Hence, the concept of SKPL was born. Growing up, John enjoyed the science kits his parents provided to him, and he has made it his mission to extend the same excitement and curiosity for STEM to all children, regardless of their circumstances.

2009

A Simple Idea Takes Root
IEEE Chicago Section and Mount Prospect Public Library launch the first circulating science kit collection. The goal: allow families to borrow hands-on STEM experiences just like books.
“Our kits rarely sit on the shelf — families are waiting for them.”

2011-2012

Catalytic Investment Fuels Growth
A $40,000 grant from the IEEE Foundation Life Members Fund formally establishes SKPL.
With stewardship through the IEEE Foundation, the program gained donor credibility, financial oversight, and long-term sustainability. 26 libraries in the Midwestern United States launch collections, and thousands of children gain hands-on engineering exposure.
“We saw confidence grow in children who never saw themselves as ‘STEM kids’.”

2013-2016

Community & Corporate Momentum
Corporate and member generosity—supported and managed through the IEEE Foundation—accelerate expansion.

• 80+ Chicago Public Library branches launch collections
• 23 additional Chicagoland libraries are funded by member donors

“Parents tell us the kits spark conversations at the dinner table.”

2017-Present

Regional Growth & Measurable Impact
IEEE Region 4 adopts SKPL as a standing initiative, expanding across ten Midwestern states.
Partnership with the IEEE Foundation ensures professional fund management,
reporting, and donor trust as the program scales.

• 30,000 science kit checkouts annually
• 25-30 new library grants awarded each year

“These kits open doors for kids who might not otherwise have access.”

What’s Next

Due to the great partnerships and success of SKPL with the Chicago Public Library system and public libraries in the greater Chicago land area, we believe that SKPL has a place in every public library. We will be focusing on achieving sustainable expansion of the SKPL program within the Midwest and ultimately to the entire U.S.