Melissa Donovan
AdventHealth for Children has announced a $1 million donation to the Orlando Science Center, bolstering the nonprofit’s Unlock Science Campaign and funding new exhibits, experiences, and educational programs designed to deliver high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning opportunities to Central Florida residents.
The gift is part of a decade-long partnership focused on inspiring STEM education and career pathways for youth. Through this collaboration, the Orlando Science Center will be able to bring hands-on STEM learning to patients at AdventHealth for Children, children at the West Lakes Early Learning Center, and underserved communities across the region. Medical professionals from AdventHealth for Children will also collaborate on Science Center programs, special events, and outreach efforts.
“AdventHealth for Children’s collaboration with the STEM Discovery Center is a perfect alignment of our shared visions for a stronger, healthier community,” JoAnn Newman, President & CEO of Orlando Science Center, said in a press release. “Together we will empower students, educators, and visitors through innovative, immersive, high-quality STEM education experiences.”
The Unlock Science Campaign is a multimillion-dollar, multi-year fundraising initiative designed to enhance the Orlando Science Center’s capacity for informal science learning, family engagement, and workforce development in STEM fields. Since its launch in 2014, the campaign has raised more than $30 million and transformed the facility with projects such as KidsTown, the STEM Discovery Center, and the new Life exhibit.
As part of the agreement, AdventHealth for Children will become the presenting sponsor of the STEM Discovery Center, which serves as the central hub for the Science Center’s STEM initiatives, including community outreach, science competitions, and summer camps. Located on the Science Center’s second level, the STEM Discovery Center offers all Central Florida students — regardless of background — access to skills and tools aimed at tackling today’s most pressing challenges.
The partnership also extends far beyond the Science Center’s walls. AdventHealth for Children will help support a wide-reaching offsite education program, which includes a fleet of eight vans delivering STEM programming to schools, neighborhood centers, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs. In the past year alone, 381 STEM experiences reached students in public and private schools and community centers across more than 30 Florida counties.
Additional initiatives will integrate AdventHealth University faculty as guest speakers and students as summer camp volunteers. Plans are also in development for field trips, summer camps, and a Medical Career Science Night hosted on AdventHealth University’s Orlando campus. The partnership aims to inspire future scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals by making STEM more accessible and engaging.
“AdventHealth for Children is deeply committed to bringing wholeness to our community and fostering wellness, education, and innovation,” Kristi Baker, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children, said in a press release. “It’s our hope that our expanding partnership with Orlando Science Center will ignite a passion for STEM and cultivate a lifelong love of learning and curiosity in our youth, as well as inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Our long-term goal is to fill the critical need for health care professionals.”
This multi-faceted collaboration is expected to strengthen STEM learning opportunities across Central Florida, connecting children and families with the resources, mentorship, and inspiration needed to thrive in science and technology careers.
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