One of the primary goals of the Midwest Philatelic Society (MPS) is to provide educational opportunities to its members and to the local community to learn more about stamps, stamp collecting, and other related areas. Since the subjects shown on stamps include people, human achievements, science, geography, culture, amid significant events from all over the world, it has been said that stamp collecting is an education in itself for those who pursue this fascinating hobby. Our current educational activities include:

• Short (20- to 30-minute) educational programs are presented by MPS members at our monthly meetings.
• Longer (1- to 2-hour) programs involving PowerPoint presentations and handouts are offered free to adult groups in the community who want to learn more about stamp collecting.
• MPS members create a fun learning experience at the stamp collectors’ Information Zone set up at local stamp shows and other venues. At the Zone, youngsters and others new to stamp collecting can get answers to their questions about philately and maybe even receive a few free stamps and supplies to help get them started.
• Fun and educational programs for youth can be tailored to the ages, group size, and time limitations in each instance.
• Support (in the form of program ideas, free stamps, mentoring, etc.) is available for youth and adult stamp clubs that meet independently.
• The MPS Club Exhibiting Program, which allows members to display the results of a more in-depth study of a particular area (see information on this program under “ Exhibits”).
• Assistance is offered by various members to Boy Scouts and other groups in earning the Stamp Collecting merit badge or similar awards.