Science City merger to bolster local STEM education
June 30, 2016 | Bobby Burch
Officials leading the merger of two non-profit science organizations hope their combined efforts will translate to more STEM professionals in Kansas City.
A science museum, Union Station’s Science City is merging with Kansas City-based Science Pioneers to offer complementary science events, activities and programs. The merger — which will be complete July 1 — aims to create a stronger STEM community in Kansas City.
Founded in 1956, Science Pioneers is a non-profit organization that hosts the Greater Kansas City Science & Engineering Fair. The fair is among the oldest and largest showcase events in the U.S. for student scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
Union Station CEO George Guastello said the merger represents a major opportunity for science education in Kansas City.
“The opportunity to bring the deep experience and outreach of Science Pioneers to our table was perfectly timed,” Guastello said in a release. “We simply can’t imagine a better union between two brands with common purpose and community-affirmed outcomes.”
The merger arrives nearly a year after Science City earned international recognition for its offerings. In September, Science City was one of only two museums to earn the EDGIE Award for visitor experience, an award doled out by the Association of Science-Technology Centers. At 80,000-square-feet, Science City features hundreds of interactive exhibits and in 2017 will expand to a new outdoor space.
LeAnn Smith, executive director of Science Pioneers, said that the merger is great news for STEM education in Kansas City.
“This is what innovation looks like,” Smith said in a release. “By bringing together complementary but not overlapping programs, we create a stronger organization that’s capable of delivering even greater support for STEM learning in Kansas City, all in a vibrant, internationally-recognized and energy-filled science center.”
Smith will become director of STEM programming and outreach at Science City. Tom Sack, CEO of MRIGlobal and the board director of Science Pioneers will join the Union Station board.
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Pipeline doubles-down on diverse voices: Meet its new class of Pathfinder entrepreneurs
Programs built to support emerging founders who are primed to break through — despite entering entrepreneurship from a different starting point — have never been more needed, said Melissa Vincent, announcing the newest class of Pipeline Pathfinders. “In today’s climate, programs like Pathfinder are not just valuable — they’re essential,” said Vincent, CEO of Pipeline…
State of the City: Combating crime among most urgent issues amid uncertain times, mayor says
Kansas City’s future hinges on smart investments in public safety, small businesses, and infrastructure, Mayor Quinton Lucas said Thursday in his annual State of the City address. Speaking directly to city leaders and residents, Lucas painted a picture of a community on the rise — but facing pressing challenges that require bold action. “As cities…
Chicken N Pickle splits spotlight with the Chiefs as FOX News broadcasts live from OP location
While the national focus this week is on football — and the Kansas City Chiefs’ drive for their third straight Super Bowl championship on Sunday — hometown pickleball got its share of the spotlight early Thursday thanks to a visit from “FOX & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy. Doocy — a Kansas City Chiefs fan who…
Crows Coffee expanding to Troost with on-site roasting, wholesale bakery (and eventually a new social activation)
A decade after opening the first Crows Coffee and two more cafes later, owner Zach Moores is undertaking a major expansion — this time with a project encompassing more than 10,500 square feet on Troost Avenue. While much larger than he planned, the two buildings Moores recently purchased pushed him to expand his vision for…