In the early 1990’s, we were told we were crazy to open a science center in downtown Springfield. Many buildings sat empty around us with windows boarded up and no foot traffic in sight. But we had a vision that was powered by a community looking for change and a way for families to connect and learn together. What we saw in the downtown Springfield community was a place students of all backgrounds, rich or poor, could learn and be inspired to bring change to our local and global community.
Since opening our doors in 1998, we’ve inspired over a million guests with our exhibits, science outreach lessons in classrooms across the Ozarks, and in classrooms digitally across the country and around the globe. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary year, we know there is more to be done to help students in southwest Missouri.
For some kids growing up in the Ozarks, the world is not a beautiful place. In fact, they have every reason to believe it is not because we are home to some of the highest rates of poverty, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect in the State of Missouri. Children walking into our Center get to discover that our world is more wonderful than they could have ever imagined. Creating experiences where their faces and minds light up during those moments of discovery are integral to our mission and provide hope for our future.
Economic status should not be the reason students do not have access to hands-on learning that engages them in fields like chemistry, computer science, and mathematics.
When you donate to the Discovery Center of Springfield, you are making a direct investment in the lives of students and their families in southwest Missouri. Our dream has only grown since opening our doors to the public 20 years ago. With exciting new exhibits, outreach opportunities, and scholarship opportunities on the horizon, we are honored to have you as a partner in the next 20 years of the Discovery Center.
Will you give and start the 2019 year off right at the Discovery Center?
With Gratitude,
Rob Blevins
Executive Director
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