The Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum receives an $8,000 Youth Technology Grant from 3 Rivers Communications.

The Dinosaur Center is an education and research organization that serves youth and adults along the Rocky Mountain Front of Montana.

The grant went toward the purchase of a 3D scanner and printer and other computer equipment for digital modeling and reconstructions of specimens for research, as well as printing 3D copies of specimens from other museums. The Dinosaur Center is working with the Bynum Elementary School to create a pilot STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program using the area’s natural history as a hook to engage youth in science.

Dave Gibson, 3 Rivers’ general manager and chief executive officer, said, “Supporting projects like this is a big part of our mission as a member-owned cooperative, while we continue work to bring fiber optics to every home and business we serve.”