Arizona Science Center Launches Community Engagement Initiative

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Community members actively engaging with science displays at the Arizona Science Center.

News Summary

The Arizona Science Center is embarking on a new initiative to enhance community engagement by revitalizing its offerings. The center is hosting a community listening event to gather ideas from local experts, educators, and families. The initiative includes upgrades to the Dorrance Planetarium and a $1 million grant for the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair, aiming to broaden participation and support underserved communities. These efforts will foster a culture of inquiry and exploration, ensuring science and education remain accessible for all.

Phoenix – The Arizona Science Center is launching an initiative aimed at revitalizing its offerings to enhance community engagement and appeal. The center seeks to transform into a “must-see part of Arizona,” making its science experiences more accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.

To kickstart this initiative, the Arizona Science Center will conduct its first community listening event on Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. The event welcomes participation from experts, educators, families, and local community members who are encouraged to share their ideas and visions for the center’s upcoming updates. While attendance is free, an online RSVP is required to secure a spot.

The importance of community feedback is underscored by the Chief of Science and Curiosity, who emphasizes the necessity of understanding local needs to effectively serve the population. This effort will gather a wide variety of opinions to discern what features and experiences would resonate with the community at large.

Recently, the Arizona Science Center installed a new planetarium screen, a part of its ongoing upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. The reimagined Dorrance Planetarium, powered by innovative Cosm technology, aims to become a leading venue for immersive science experiences. Set to reopen in early 2025, the upgraded planetarium will feature an advanced LED dome and state-of-the-art display technology.

As part of the new initiatives, the Arizona Science Center has also been awarded a $1 million grant from the Helios Education Foundation. This grant will support the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) with plans to broaden its reach and inclusivity. Dubbed AzSEF 2.0, the initiative targets the engagement of an additional 2,100 participants and the involvement of 60 new educators over the next three years.

The AzSEF program has played a crucial role in showcasing students’ knowledge and expertise in STEM fields. Through this grant, the Arizona Science Center will provide professional learning opportunities for educators and extended support for AzSEF alumni. The initiative also aims to connect students and teachers with mentors and industry experts while offering scholarships for further education.

CEO Guy Labine notes that the collaboration with the Helios Education Foundation aligns with the Arizona Science Center’s mission of supporting underserved communities in education. This partnership signifies a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and engaged community through science and education.

For individuals interested in learning more about the initiatives or the community listening event, additional information is available on the Arizona Science Center’s website, where visitors can explore upcoming events and participate in the transformative vision for their science center.

Through these ongoing efforts, the Arizona Science Center aims not only to improve its facilities but also to cultivate a culture of inquiry and exploration within the community, ensuring that science and learning remain accessible and exciting for future generations.