Science World has launched a $10 million fundraiser to renew exhibits and create new virtual content to be shared with students and teachers far outside the downtown dome.
The campaign was launched today in an effort to further expand STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and design and math) learning across the province and into barriered communities. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated the need for the non-profit organization to deliver educational content in a digital capacity Science World wrote in a statement regarding the fundraiser.
“It’s up to all of us to ensure that B.C., and Canada, are able to compete on a global scale in the quest for talent,” said Tracy Redies, President and CEO of Science World. “Currently, we are facing skills shortages in essential fields so we need to equip our youth with the right tools to succeed in the future.”
Redies went on to say it is estimated that two-thirds of students entering elementary school today will be employed in jobs that do not currently exist. Of those new jobs, about 80 per cent will require STEAM literacy.
“Science World is uniquely positioned to support the learners of today so they’re ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This important fundraising campaign will help us succeed in doing just this,” Redies said.
Science World has seen a drop in revenue of approximately $13 million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since 80 per cent of its revenue from ticket sales and events. Less than 2 per cent of Science World’s funding comes from the government.
Manny Padda, Chair of the Fundraising Committee and Science World Board Member says funds raised will scale Science World’s programming to reach over three million learners in 2021.
“The new and expanded digital outreach is available to people at every income level and will provide essential STEAM education to those in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, as well as women and girls,” Padda said.
Science World has outlined how it plans to use the fundraiser’s target goal of $10 million.
- $5 million on immersive experiences, exhibit renewal and vital capital projects.
- $3.5 million of which will include new technology and content.
- The remaining $1.5 million will help create a new digital studio and platform, upgrades to current galleries, a new greenhouse and maintenance.
- $5 million to accelerate the digitization of programs, exhibits and new STEAM content.
In an effort to target the greater business community, Science World is expanding its "The World Needs More Nerds" campaign with a follow-up campaign "The Future Needs More Nerds."
Over the past year, "The World Needs More Nerds" sparked global attention with superstar nerds like Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Jane Goodall, Chris Hadfield, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif coming on board to support the cause.
