![Southeast Service Cooperative]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702331381/ssccoop/uigsptephuiipeekjcwf/ICONColor-01.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702331381/ssccoop/uigsptephuiipeekjcwf/ICONColor-01.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1702331381/ssccoop/uigsptephuiipeekjcwf/ICONColor-01.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1702331381/ssccoop/uigsptephuiipeekjcwf/ICONColor-01.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1702331381/ssccoop/uigsptephuiipeekjcwf/ICONColor-01.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1702331381/ssccoop/uigsptephuiipeekjcwf/ICONColor-01.png","width":2200}])
Lending Library
Bring more hands-on learning into your classroom without having to purchase specialized equipment and materials.
The SSC Lending Library gives educators access to high-quality science, STEM, technology, and career-connected learning resources that can help students explore, experiment, build, test, and learn through real-world experiences.
Whether you are introducing students to health science careers, exploring renewable energy, programming drones, or bringing immersive technology into the classroom, the Lending Library makes specialized learning tools easier to access.
Explore the SSC Lending Library
The Lending Library includes resources for science, health careers, STEM learning, technology, engineering, and career exploration.
Mobile Science Career Kits
The Mobile Science Lab collection includes:
Histology Kits
Give students hands-on opportunities to explore tissue preparation, microscopy, and concepts connected to histology and laboratory careers.
Phlebotomy Kits
Introduce students to equipment, procedures, and skills associated with blood collection and healthcare careers.
Laboratory Assistant Kits
Help students explore foundational laboratory practices, equipment, and career skills used in clinical and research environments.
Transfusion Kits
Provide hands-on learning connected to blood banking, transfusion science, and related healthcare laboratory careers.
Additional SSC Lending Library Resources
The Lending Library also includes a growing collection of classroom-ready STEM resources, including:
Solar Suitcases
Updated solar energy kits that provide hands-on opportunities to explore electricity, renewable energy, engineering, and problem solving. These are separate from the We Share Solar Suitcases featured on their dedicated program page.
VR Headsets
Create immersive learning experiences that allow students to explore environments, concepts, and careers beyond the traditional classroom.
CoDrone EDU Drones
Introduce students to coding, engineering, flight, problem solving, and drone technology through hands-on learning.
Wind Power Kits
Help students investigate renewable energy, engineering design, and the science behind wind-generated electricity.
micro:bits
Small programmable devices that make coding, physical computing, engineering, and creative problem solving accessible to students.
Who Can Check Out SSC Lending Library Resources?
Access to the Lending Library is based on membership.
Access to SSC Lending Library resources varies by membership type.
SSC Members may check out the Mobile Science Career Kits, including the Histology, Lab Assistant, Medical Lab Career, Phlebotomy, and Transfusion Kits.
SSC Members may also have access to the two Mobile Science Kit Trailers for an additional fee. Please contact SSC for current availability, eligibility, and fee information.
STEM Forward Members may check out the full range of resources available through the SSC STEM Lending Library, including the Mobile Science Career Kits.
Not sure which resources are available to you? Contact Eric Christians at SSC: echristians@ssc.coop for help!
How to Reserve a Resource
New to the Lending Library? Creating an account only takes a few steps. Follow the instructions below, or click here for a printable quick reference .pdf on "How to Borrow".
1. Visit the SSC Lending Library
Go to:
https://stemforward.lend-engine-app.com/
2. Select “Register”
Choose Register from the Lending Library homepage.
3. Create Your Account
Enter the requested information, including:
-
Full name
-
School address
-
School email address
-
Password
-
Personal cell phone number
Please use your school email address when registering.
4. Agree to the Lending Library Terms
Review and accept the applicable borrowing policies, terms of service, and privacy policy.
5. Select Your Membership Type
Choose:
-
STEM Forward, if your district or organization is a STEM Forward member
-
SSC, for other eligible Southeast Service Cooperative members
6. Browse and Reserve
Once logged in, you can:
-
Browse available resources
-
View individual kit and equipment details
-
Check availability
-
Place reservations
-
Review your current loans
What Happens After You Make a Reservation?
Submitting a reservation begins the checkout process.
Once SSC receives your reservation, an SSC staff member will send you a confirmation email to select a date/time to pick up your items.
You will then receive a calendar invitation confirming the date and time for pickup at:
Southeast Service Cooperative and Wood Lake Meeting Center
210 Wood Lake Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Please use the confirmed appointment time for pickup so staff can have your materials ready.
Checkout Period
Most Lending Library items are checked out for 21 days. Some items may have a longer or shorter loan period.
Please plan classroom use within that checkout window so resources can continue circulating among educators throughout the region.
Returning Your Resources
When you are ready to return your Lending Library items, contact Eric Christians echristians@ssc.coop at Southeast Service Cooperative to arrange a return date and time.
SSC will send a calendar invitation confirming when the materials should be returned to the Lending Library at:
Southeast Service Cooperative and Wood Lake Meeting Center
210 Wood Lake Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Prior to returning materials, make sure all parts and pieces of each loan item are present. Document any missing parts or pieces and specify which loan item is missing those parts and pieces. Give documentation to Eric Christians upon returning loan items. When materials are returned, SSC staff will check the items in and verify that all components are present and undamaged.
Please allow up to 72 hours after return for materials to be inspected, processed, and made available for circulation again.
Borrow. Explore. Return. Repeat.
The SSC Lending Library is designed to make hands-on learning easier to bring into classrooms across Southeast Minnesota.
Instead of purchasing specialized equipment that may only be used periodically, educators can borrow resources, introduce students to new technologies and career pathways, and then return those materials so another classroom can benefit.
It is a shared regional resource built to help educators expand what is possible for students.
Ready to explore the SSC Lending Library?
Browse resources and make a reservation:
https://stemforward.lend-engine-app.com/
Questions or need help getting started?
Contact Eric Christians
Title: Career-Connected Learning and STEM Coordinator
Phone Number:
Work: (507) 884-2132
SSC Lending Library Support
The Lending Library is made possible through the support of SSC programs, members, partners, and sponsors working together to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students across the region.
Our programs—Mobile Science Lab, STEM Forward, and Forge—work together to support and sustain this shared resource!
The Southeast Service Cooperative Lending Library is supported by:
Contact: Eric Christians, Career-Connected Learning and STEM Coordinator, echristians@ssc.coop (507) 884-2132.