Libera Distributes Lila Bear Explores STEAM Activity Boxes to 450 West Virginia students with Truist Foundation grant

Morgantown, WV (July 19, 2026) — Libera is proud to have completed the Lila Bear Explores STEAM Discovery Program for Title I schools in Monongalia, Kanawha and Cabell Counties, expanding access to hands-on, story-based STEAM learning for elementary students.

With the support of a Truist Foundation grant, Libera reached 450 students in more than 5 elementary schools with the Lila Bear Explores STEAM Discovery Program. The program provided teachers with engaging, ready-to-use materials and lesson plans to use in their classrooms that connect literacy, math, and creativity through hands-on learning.

“We are so grateful for supporters like Truist Foundation who believe in providing our young learners in West Virginia with access to high quality and engaging educational opportunities," said Kelsey Riggi, Executive Director at Libera and Lila Bear Explores. "This grant allowed us to increase student access to STEAM education and to also provide teachers with new and innovative ways to inspire a love of learning."

Each lesson was designed around a Lila Bear Explores activity box that sparks curiosity while introducing students to inspiring Appalachian people and places in STEAM. The activity boxes included guided activities that promote exploration, local stories that make learning fun and discussion prompts that encourage students to dream big.

"The Lila Bear STEAM Boxes are a wonderful way to encourage wonder and exploration through hands-on exploration around STEAM concepts," said Jenn Reeves, Technology Integration Specialist at Mylan Park Elementary School. "I love that the boxes incorporate landmarks and important figures in WV History that have made an impact in the STEAM field and are used to explain science and engineering concepts. My elementary age students are instantly engaged with the high-quality materials and exciting activities that await them within each box."

Libera supplied schools and students with their Lila Bear Explores Math STEAM Activity Box. This box teaches children the power of mathematics through hands-on learning and by sharing the story of Katherine Johnson, the West Virginia mathematician whose work helped send astronauts into space. As they explored her story, students discovered how math can solve real-world problems and build the confidence to dream of their own future in STEAM.

With the support of Truist Foundation, Libera was able to remove barriers to access by ensuring that every participating student received their own materials, making it easier for teachers to integrate high-quality, hands-on STEAM experiences into the classroom. Students were also encouraged to take the boxes home to share with their families.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and that often starts with expanding access to education and opportunity,” said Spencer Murphy, West Virginia Market President, Truist. “Libera’s work brings learning to life for students while equipping teachers with meaningful tools to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We’re proud to support a program that is helping young learners in West Virginia imagine what’s possible.”

In addition to supporting students, the Lila Bear Explores program also creates workforce development opportunities. Each Lila Bear box was packed by young women, who gain job readiness skills, wraparound services, and supportive mentorship while participating in Libera's 12-month SOAR accelerator program.

About Libera

Libera is a West Virginia–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women and youth through listening, mentorship, and community-based programs. Libera also operates Lila Bear Explores, a social enterprise creating hands-on STEAM activity boxes inspired by Appalachian stories. Learn more at: https://www.liberawv.com

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