Libera STEAM Activity Boxes Approved for West Virginia Hope Scholarship Program

Morgantown, WV (March 10, 2026) — Libera is pleased to announce that Lila Bear Explores STEAM Activity Boxes are now an approved educational service provider for West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship Program. This approval allows Hope Scholarship families to use education funds to purchase Lila Bear Explores Activity Boxes, expanding access to hands-on, story-based STEAM learning for children across the state.

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The announcement comes during Women’s History Month, underscoring Lila Bear Explores' mission to celebrate Appalachian women in STEAM and inspire the next generation of youth. Each box connects children with real stories and hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

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“We’re thrilled to reach this milestone,” said Kristen Young, Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps VISTA. “Hope Scholarship approval opens new opportunities for West Virginia families to access creative, hands-on STEAM learning experiences for their children.”

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"My Office is thrilled to welcome Lila Bear Explores STEAM Activity Boxes to the Hope Scholarship Program. This is exciting news as we continue to see tremendous growth within the program. We believe that will continue to be the case as the program goes fully universal for the 2026-2027 school year,” State Treasurer Larry Pack said. "Every child deserves a shot at a bright future – and that’s what the Hope Scholarship offers. At the end of the day, this is all about empowering parents and students to find the education that fits their unique needs.”

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Libera currently offers three Lila Bear Explores STEAM Activity Boxes: Engineering, Computers & Coding, and Math. Each box is designed to support engaging, story-driven learning while highlighting inspiring Appalachian women in STEAM fields.

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In addition to supporting children’s education, the Lila Bear Explores program promotes meaningful pathways to employment for vulnerable youth. Lila Bear boxes are packed by at-risk young women, who gain hands-on experience, job readiness skills, and supportive mentorship while participating in Libera's 12-month SOAR accelerator program in Morgantown.

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Learn more about Lila Bear Explores STEAM Activity Boxes at:

https://www.liberawv.com/lila-bear-explores

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About the Hope Scholarship

West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship Program allows eligible K–12 students to use state education funds for approved educational expenses, including curriculum, tutoring, and enrichment programs. Families can use TheoPay, the Hope Scholarship payment system, to securely pay approved education service providers.

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Learn more at: https://hopescholarshipwv.gov/Home/Parents-Students/TheoPay.

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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 while providing job skills to at-risk youth.

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Learn more at: https://www.liberawv.com.

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