Detroit, Mich., June 22, 2023 – The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a prestigious grant from NASA’s Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) program and TEAM II Community Anchor Awards. These programs are part of NASA’s Next Generation STEM initiative, aimed at engaging students, caregivers, and educators in exploring NASA’s missions and discoveries.
With the grant, Mi-Sci will be able to build on its strong roots as a community anchor and deepen Michigan’s residents’ connections to a wide range of STEM topics, including aeronautics, Earth science, and human space exploration. Through innovative programs and initiatives, Mi-Sci aims to inspire the next generation to pursue their STEM interests and become leaders in their chosen fields.
“We are delighted to be one of the recipients of the NASA TEAM II grant, said Dr. Christian Greer, Ed.D., President and CEO. “This funding will enable us to bring the wonders of space science closer to our community and ignite a passion for STEM education among Michigan’s youth. We believe that by engaging students, caregivers, and educators in exploring NASA’s missions and discoveries, we can empower them to unlock their potential and make significant contributions to the scientific advancements of the future.”
NASA’s TEAM II program is awarding more than $3.8 million to 21 museums, science centers, and other informal education institutions across the nation. These grants are intended to broaden student participation in STEM and bring the excitement of space science to communities nationwide.
The TEAM II initiative focuses on enhancing the capability of informal education institutions to host NASA-based learning activities and increasing their capacity to utilize innovative tools and platforms to bring NASA resources to students. Mi-Sci, along with three other esteemed institutions, has been chosen for projects they will implement over the next three years.
Among the selected institutions, Mi-Sci’s proposed project, “Urban Skies – Equitable Universe: Using Open Space to Empower Youth to Explore Their Solar System and Beyond,” aims to create equitable opportunities for Detroit’s youth to engage with space science. Through the project, Mi-Sci will leverage open spaces in urban areas to host immersive learning experiences, encouraging students to explore the wonders of the solar system and inspiring them to dream big about their place in the universe.
This NASA grant represents a significant milestone for the Michigan Science Center and highlights the organization’s commitment to advancing STEM education in the community. Mi-Sci looks forward to collaborating with NASA and its partners to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators
For more information about the Michigan Science Center and its programs, please visit www.mi-sci.org.
About the Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.