Sciencenter Strategic Framework

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 2024

- 2029

LOOKING FORWARD

In 2023, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the community build that saw the creation of a permanent home for the Sciencenter. This milestone anniversary allowed us to look back with appreciation for the contributions of our volunteers and staff, who have helped shape our identity over the years. While reflecting on the past, we also looked to the future with a new Strategic Framework.

Our board and staff met throughout 2023 to reflect on our successes and chart a course for our future. We have set priorities, goals, and objectives that are framed by three pillars: Science, Community and Inclusion.

IGNITING CURIOSITY TOGETHER

MISSION

Cultivate an engaged community of curious, collaborative, critical thinkers.

VISION

A community where people use science as a way of understanding the world.

WE VALUE

Being a welcoming place that embraces a diversity of lived experiences.

Our place in the community, which includes our story, our reputation, and our meaningful collaborations.

Our team, both staff and volunteers, for their connections, adaptability, drive, and collaborative spirit.

Science as a lens for learning about the world.

Natural curiosity that leads to free-choice learning.

Children get up close and personal with a reptile from our unique animal collection.

GUIDING PILLARS

SCIENCE

A process for learning, sparked by curiosity and powered by exploration

COMMUNITY

People coming together through meaningful interactions and collaborations

INCLUSION

Being a welcoming place where people with diverse lived experiences feel that they belong

Discovering tornados in our Changing Skies climate exhibit.

CHARTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

PRIORITIES

Science Learning/Literacy

Environmental Stewardship

Community Connections

Workplace Culture

Intergenerational Learning

Diversity and Inclusion

GOALS

Provide exhibits and programs that emphasize science process skills and help our community think critically about issues impacting our world

Adopt practices and habits that lessen our impact on the environment

Educate the public to become better environmental stewards

Build strong relationships within our community - local, regional, and national

Create and support a connected learning ecosystem

Strengthen our culture by valuing individuals with diverse lived experiences

Encourage and provide opportunities for growth

Provide opportunities for different generations to learn together

Create community ownership through projectbased engagement

Engage different voices through increased diversity of board, staff, and volunteers

Cultivate a culture of belonging

Children explore water engineering in our Watergates Gallery.

CHARTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY

Measurement

Financial Health

Organizational Sustainability

Collect data to analyze the effectiveness of our program at achieving our goals

Share metrics and regular updates

Maintain financial capacity through diverse revenue streams and prudent use of resources that support our work and accomplish our goals

Provide systems and tools that allow everyone to thrive in their roles