Science City's Early Learning at Union Station

Science City’s

EARLY LEARNING AT UNION STATION

BUILDING UPON SUCCESS

Wow, what a year!

and involve the entire community in funding the remaining $3 million needed to bring this ambitious and high-impact priority to life.

“Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” “Favorite Historical Attraction” “Attraction of the Year”

• Our critical Exterior Preservation Project — begun in 2017 and scheduled to wrap up mid-year 2018. This proactive TLC of our historic building will touch nearly every exterior surface with needed repair, cleaning and protective applications. You may have seen scaffolding erected and moving around the Station. Now that warmer daytime temperatures have arrived, the pace of work will once again quicken as will our fundraising to close the final gap in this important $1.6 million investment.

As a record-setting 2017 holiday season wound down and a

fast-paced 2018 got underway, your Union Station and Science City were honored with these prestigious local and regional recognitions. This was really big news!

So we paused — but not for too long — to celebrate the collective spirit, support and effort it took to deliver another stunning year of success. Indeed, it was and is very special and humbling to be acknowledged among Kansas City’s many worldclass attractions and important destinations.

Now, within these pages of our ON TRACK Impact Report Edition, it’s time to celebrate you . . . the most important element of our remarkable success. How will we do that? By highlighting what’s been accomplished, what’s currently happening and what’s around the corner. You’ve been and remain a key part of it all. Your vote of confidence every time you visit is essential and extremely appreciated.

You’ll see, our vision is BIG! Our resolve is strong. And our energy and focus to keep Union Station a vibrant and vital resource for you and all of Kansas City is endless. Simply put, we’re poised for even more success and that’s a terrific place to be.

A few key projects and priorities to watch include:

• Our new Early Learning expansion into Science City — announced in October of 2017 with a generous initial grant from The Hall Family Foundation of $4 million. Set to open in mid-2019, this current year will be filled with detailed planning, program development, initial construction and a big push to invite

• An upcoming Summer of non-stop fun and hands-on opportunities for the entire family to explore Union Station, Science City, the Planetarium and our entire exciting campus.

We have festivals, concerts, special events and epic exhibitions planned. We pride ourselves in keeping things fresh and fun for you and 2018 is set to be awesome. You are our top priority!

And that’s just the highlight list . . .

Inside this edition of ON TRACK you will read about the stellar results for our world-class Touring Exhibitions, internationally-awarded Science Center, Planetarium, Extreme Screen Theatre and more.

Bottom line . . . we treasure the privilege of being both caretakers and dream makers for Union Station . . . a place that proves what Kansas City can do when enthusiasm, determination, innovation and focused efforts intersect.

This is YOUR Union Station. Thank you for your role in another year of remarkable, sustained, and AWARDED success!

George Guastello President & CEO

Robert Regnier

Chairman of the Board

EARLY LEARNING BLUEPRINT UNDERWAY Boston Children’s Museum Brings Expertise To Science City

O

ABOVE: George Guastello gives Boston Children’s Museum early childhood experts a tour of Science City.

n December 15th of 2016, Union Station’s Board announced a Pulling from all major residential neighborhoods in the metro generous grant from the Hall Family Foundation to develop a area and centrally located, Science City successfully serves the broader blueprint for interactive science learning experiences for Kansas City Kansas City community with its current programming focused on area children age 0-7 years old. ages 5-12. Science City also offers convenient access to underserved Since then, experts from the renowned Boston Children’s Museum neighborhoods along with low cost public transit options already in are well into their deep research and recommendations. Their recent place. multi-day, on-site visit offered a first-hand view of the very big With this expansion, Science City will directly reach children shoulders this new early learning initiative will be built upon. Science during a critical developmental phase.

City – already recognized and awarded internationally – not only has “Learning opportunities proven to be a truly community-wide specifically designed for children play resource, but also has the available an important role for most modern infrastructure to support and grow a science centers,” Jeff Rosenblatt, world-class early learning experience, Science City director of exhibits, said. including tremendous new exhibition “Research increasingly points to the and programming spaces for early significance of positive, early * learning childhood development. experiences during the pivotal ages of The unique and applauded 0-7, both through direct hands-on collaboration between Boston activities with exhibits and programs Children’s Museum (recognized as and through interactions with parents a world-wide expert) and Science and caregivers. We can directly City’s professional staff is a powerful contribute to the development of platform from which planning will engaged science learners of the quickly transform into action. future by creating exhibit spaces that Union Station’s core mission promote the power of play, inspire will again be fulfilled: “To serve as critical thinking skills, foster natural a scientific, educational and cultural curiosity, and support learning and resource to the community, dedicated discovery for children.” to inspiring a lifelong love of science, ABOVE: Jeff Rosenblatt continues tour with Boston Children’s Museum experts.

“Executing on a long-term learning and discovery.” strategic plan has led Science City to “Science City, has evolved in dramatic fashion in the last four years this exciting opportunity,” George Guastello, president and CEO of with specific focus on rotating programming and updated exhibits,” Union Station, said. “With the strong encouragement and endorsement Jerry Baber, executive vice president and COO of Union Station, of business leaders, educators and early childhood advocates, Union said. “Significant and strategic investments in new and existing Station’s Board and Leadership Team are moving boldly to bring this infrastructure, hands-on exhibitions and high-quality programming next evolutionary step to life for all of Kansas City. Watch for details have resulted in enviable and sustained increased attendance and and developments as this exciting project continues to unfold!” ■ endorsement from parents and educators alike. That same focus on families with younger children will soon deliver another layer of highquality experiences to our entire community. Estimates to complete this exciting new addition range from $4M to $7M.”

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News sta

Science City Unveils Plans To Grow Younger!

Bold Vision Will Expand Early Childhood Learning in Greater Kansas City Bold visions are driving forces across the fields of science. A vision

to solve a complex problem. To build something big. To cure, make safer or simply experience the world in brand new ways. Such bold visions also help transform organizations to stay on the cutting edge of service and solutions. Science City’s recent and remarkable Early Learning Initiative announcement is a perfect example.

The backdrop is the recent and dramatic growth in the number of families with infants and toddlers visiting science museums across the country. Along with that reality is fascinating developmental research indicating science learning can be encouraged and stimulated as early as infancy. Science City thinks that’s both remarkable and inspiring!

So what to do with that excitement? Focus it. Develop a robust and informed-by-experts plan. Then take action. And that’s exactly what Union Station and Science City have done.

On the morning of October 10th — on the expansive ground floor of our internationally-awarded Science City — over 100 leaders from the early childhood, academic, business, civic and funding community gathered for the unveiling of plans to greatly expand critical early childhood learning in Kansas City. And to put these plans into immediate action, a significant $4 million grant from the Hall Family Foundation was announced to help propel the massive $7 million initiative forward.

But before we look ahead, let’s look back to December of last year when the initial study — also generously funded by the Hall Family Foundation — to inform this new and important initiative started taking shape . . .

On December 15, 2016, Union Station’s Board announced plans to develop a blueprint for interactive science learning experiences for children age 0 - 7 years old. The first step toward that ambitious goal was taken by retaining the renowned Boston Children’s Museum to conduct a multi-month planning phase that would result in specific recommendations regarding new exhibition and programming spaces for early childhood development.

“As one of the largest and oldest children’s museums in the world, Boston Children’s Museum is also one of the most influential,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, says. “They have earned a celebrated status for engaging children in discovery experiences that develop foundational skills and spark a lifelong love of learning. We could not have made a better choice in that first planning phase and we are now in position to partner with their experts in early and informal learning throughout this make-it-a-reality phase.”

Officials from Union Station, Boston Children’s Museum and Hall Family Foundation on stage for big announcement.

Above: Courtesy: Roy Inman Photographs©

Above and Right: Courtesy: Boston Child

ren’s Museum

Carol Charnow, president and CEO, Boston Children’s Museum also expresses professional pride in the success of the planning phase . . .

“Learning opportunities specifically designed for children play an important role for most modern science centers,” Charnow, says.

“We’ve brought to bear our own decades of experience in engaging our youngest children along with the latest research from MIT, Harvard and other leading research institutions on how infants and toddlers learn. What Kansas City is about to do — through the proven Science City platform — is exciting, vitally important and leading-edge. It’s been an extreme pleasure to have had our teams collaborate during the early planning phase and now going forward to complete the vision.”

Ramón Murguía, Union Station Board Vice Chairman, goes on to comment about the advantages Science City has moving into the build-out phase . . .

“We’re in a very enviable position to maximize our community impact and return on funder investment,” Murguía, explains. “The wealth of proven results from the Boston Children’s Museum is paying off for the entire Kansas City community. The plans unveiled on October 10th will drive our next 21 months of action and will result in world-class early learning experiences for our most valuable resources . . . the young minds who will, in turn, shape our futures.”

And those experiences will soon start taking form in three new, dedicated and programmed early learning areas within Science City.

In total, these areas will fill 13,000 dedicated square feet with a

complete programmatic footprint of nearly 35,000 square feet. More importantly, these investments will greatly expand Science City’s community commitment to kindergarten readiness. The STEM pipeline will grow and in so doing, will help ensure Kansas City’s reputation nationally for aggressively focusing on the human element of what it takes to be a world-class city.

Specifically, the three new areas are to be organized in the following way . . .

• The Children’s Zone is dedicated specifically to the developmental needs of children from infancy through age 3, and to the critical role adults play in the child’s learning.

• Messy Arts is a multisensory area that can be programmed for infants through 3 year olds and infants to 7 year olds, depending on the day and demand. Through open-ended arts and STEAM experiences, children explore materials, develop fine motor skills, and try out art-making processes, while also developing science process thinking.

• All Aboard! is an immersive environmental concept for 4-7 year old children and their teachers and guardians, featuring evocative contemporary designs and interactives that encourage dramatic play, exploration, observation, cooperative and collaborative problem solving, and discovery — the basis of STEM learning.

“Taken together with the award-winning, existing Science City programs, this Early Learning strategy has a tremendous multiplier effect,” Jerry Baber, Union Station executive vice president and COO, says. “Now, we’ll effectively serve children from the pre-walking age through young teens. That’s a huge benefit to the families, educators and care-givers who regularly turn to us for out-of-home and outof-classroom, high-value learning experiences. Legitimately, we’ll powerfully serve, in a unique way, the full family life cycle of kids interested in STEM and age-focused discovery. This is a very exciting leap forward for not only Union Station, but our entire community and region.”

Continued 0

Of course, the total $7 million plan counts on significant community involvement. And, as mentioned, the generosity of the Hall Family Foundation — highlighted by their $4 million project grant — has been and is essential to Union Station’s confidence in moving ahead.

Rebecca Hall, program officer at the Hall Family Foundation, provided further perspective . . .

“We know the promise of long-term community success starts with investing in early childhood learning,” Rebecca Hall, program officer at the Hall Family Foundation, shares. “We applaud this bold step by the leadership of Union Station. As one of our areas of focus is Pre-K through 12 education, we appreciate the impact these types of initiatives can have in stimulating imagination and encouraging early learning.”

Rebecca Hall

ation – Hall Family Found

Ramón Murguía –

Union Station Board

Vice Chairman

Fundraising outreach toward the total financial investment required is now underway and is emphasized as both a priority and opportunity by Union Station leadership.

“With the generous $4 million grant from the Hall Family Foundation, we are once again in position to reshape the local and regional landscape as it relates to strengthening our community, this time starting with our youngest citizens,” Guastello, says. “We simply can’t thank Kansas City enough for challenging us, then giving us the room and resources to regularly exceed expectations. We now are reimagining the future by growing younger. With the involvement of business leaders, foundations, educators, early childhood advocates, and family-focused individuals, we will deliver something truly amazing . . . for generations to come. We invite all of Kansas City to invest with us and help shape and ensure the success of Greater Kansas City’s next and future generations.”

Those interested in reviewing the complete plan and lending support to the project are encouraged to call or email Christy Nitsche, Director of Advancement & Community Engagement at (816) 460-2208 or cnitsche@unionstation.org ■

Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest, and one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. It was founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers’ Bureau, a group of visionary educators dedicated to providing new resources for both teachers and students, as a

center for the exchange of materials and ideas to advance the teaching of science. For over 100 years it has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning.

Growing Younger Gaining Serious Momentum Notice. Wonder. Explore. Those simple words are frequently

used to describe the complex, foundational early stages of science learning. . . especially as they apply to early childhood STEAM learners.

With wide eyes, big smiles and eager hands, children ages 0-7 will soon have a new, world-class opportunity to notice, wonder and explore like never before in Kansas City. In fact, the plans for this remarkable place – started as a dream in December 2016 at Union Station’s Science City and expected to open in Late 2019 – have now matured past concept and application of latest early learning studies to a stage in which specific exhibits are tightly designed and first-stage physical movements within Science City are underway.

And in the midst of this terrific progress, more funders are coming forward to help make this high-impact vision a reality. In fact, on April 4th of this year, executives from PNC Bank and Union Station gathered in Science City with community and early learning leaders to announce a $1 million Grow Up Great Grant to support our Early Childhood Learning Initiative to not only grow younger, but to grow out and expand into the community.

Specifically, the PNC Foundation five-year grant to Science City will benefit approximately 14,000 members of the community, with a focus on Head Start preschool students, children and families. It will also support the establishment of a multipurpose Early Learning classroom space at Science City which will, in turn, touch an additional 260,000 annual visitors to the science center. The grant is PNC’s largest to date in KC.

“This grant reflects our strong relationship with Science City and commitment to school readiness across the region,” said Dale Klose, PNC Regional President for Kansas City. “Science City’s focus on helping preschoolers, educators and families understand the world around us is perfectly aligned with the mission of PNC Grow Up Great.

We are committed to helping young children in the community achieve success in school and life.”

With the cornerstone $4 million grant from the Hall Family Foundation – announced on October 10, 2017 – and now the tremendous support from PNC Foundation, the enthusiasm for Science City’s “Growing Younger” has gained even more momentum.

“Our sincere appreciation goes to the entire PNC organization,” said George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station. “Their support of our efforts date back to 2006 and have added greatly to our internationally-awarded success. And in an environment where every gift and show of support counts, this major commitment will further signal to the entire Greater Kansas City community of funders, educators, early learning advocates and families that now is the time to collectively invest in Science City. We are poised to be the premiere home to help our future leaders, starting at the youngest of ages, build their STEAM knowledge and prepare for success in the classroom and in life.”

The next visible signs of progress in Science City toward this ambitious early learning goal will be the movement of the wildly popular “Maker Studio” into a new purpose-built space (still within Science City). In early 2019, the construction of the new early learning spaces – including where Maker Studio now sits – will begin.

To be a part of this exciting and important project, please contact Christy Nitsche at 816-460-2208 and watch for progress updates at unionstation.org and in future editions of ON TRACK Magazine. ■

Early Childhood Learning

Science City Grows Younger Just 13 months ago, Union Station announced plans

CREATIVE CORNER A versatile, multisensory area that can be programmed for infants through 3-year-olds and infants through 7-year-olds, according to day and demand.

Open-ended arts and STEAM experiences will engage children to explore materials, develop fine motor skills and try out art making processes.

to grow younger as Science City expanded its focus to include early childhood engagement. With tremendous community support from the Hall Family Foundation and PNC Foundation – and a strategic plan informed by the renowned Boston Children’s Museum – three new early learning areas are emerging to create a powerful community resource to rival the best in the world.

Here’s what to watch for in the coming months . . .

LET’S PLAY! FOR LITTLE EXPLORERS A unique space designed for the developmental needs of children from infancy through age 3. This space will have multiple sensory and role-playing activities.

ALL ABOARD! An immersive environment for 4-to 7-year-old children featuring contemporary designs and interactives that encourage play, exploration, observation and collaborative problem solving in the context of trains and intermodal transportation

CONSTR U

These new early childhood spaces will fill 13,000 square feet with a complete programmatic footprint of nearly 35,000 square feet. They are expected to open Winter 2019.

CTION Z ONE

All Reimagined Space new maker studio coming 2019!

While

The Amazing Brain and Early Learning areas are under construction, the Maker Studio will also move to an exciting new purposebuilt location. Transitioning from the northwest to the southeast side of Science City, the new location will be closer to other Discovery Areas such as the Test Kitchen and Engineerium - a convenient location for groups with bookings. (Discovery Areas are prescheduled, programmed classroom spaces within Science City. For information on booking a trip for your group, visit UnionStation.org.)

This new Maker Studio will add an additional 2,500 square feet to the entire footprint of Science City. And its form and functionality will be refined, creating five distinct “lab” areas - fabrication lab, digital lab, electronics lab, fiber lab, CNC lab and 3D Printing lab. Each lab can be transitioned into bigger or smaller workshop spaces to meet specific program needs.

We’re growing and going in your Science City and can’t wait to show it all off! In the meantime, join us in anticipation of what’s happening in our construction zones. A short wait will soon reveal more amazing new hands-on fun for your entire science-thirsty family! ■ RIGHT & BELOW: New Maker Studio Concept Renderings

More Major Gifts Just Announced . . .

Support for Early Learning Initiative and Union Station Continues It’s both a cherished responsibility and an extreme privilege to be

the caretakers of Kansas City’s historic home. Union Station reaches deep into our collective history and challenges us to dream and plan big for an ever-changing and vibrant future.

Our efforts are focused on our mission pillars – science education, celebration of community and preservation of history. Indeed, it’s a job taken seriously and with the greatest respect for all those – past and present – who invest time and treasure in our shared pursuit.

In 1996, with the historic bi-state tax, Greater Kansas City invested in our iconic monument to save her from near-certain demise. In 2014, as Union Station marked her Centennial, you invested in our future again through our $8.4 Million Western Expansion Project and newly established Preservation and Endowment Funds. Then again in 2016 and 2017 – led by the Hall Family Foundation and PNC Foundation that together provided a $5 Million dollar investment toward our current $7.6 Million dollar Early Learning Initiative – Kansas City answered the call to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

Now, as we bring 2018 to a close, the tradition of giving continues.

And it’s with heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation we announce the following additional and generous investments in our Early Learning Initiative: • From the Edward F. Swinney Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee - $400,000

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has also committed their support to enhance our youth and community maker focused programming and capacity building through a $425,000 grant.

Making a gift to Union Station means making a difference to our entire community. We are so thankful and proud the respected Kansas City philanthropic community continues to support and empower Union Station to not only fulfill our mission, but exceed in delivering on promises made to each of you . . . a world-class experience and a place of great meaning, worthy of being called your historic home.■

In September 2018, the Hall Family Foundation celebrated

• The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation - $325,000

its 75th Anniversary. We thank them for their dedication to

• The Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation $100,000

enhancing the quality of human life through programs that enrich

• The Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation - $75,000

the community, help people and promote excellence. Discover more at hallfamilyfoundation.org

If you are interested in supporting Union Station, please contact Christy Nitsche, Director of Advancement & Community Engagement, at CNitsche@unionstation.org

Partnership of Possibilities ABOVE: George Guastello, President & CEO of Union Station, and Ray Kowalik, Chairman and CEO of Burns & McDonnell, toast to the new exciting announcement. LEFT: From left to right: Ramón Murguía, Chairman of Union Station Board, Kowalik and Guastello photographed.

Only a few weeks ago, on the evening of October 25, amidst the backdrop of thousands of balloons, spectacular indoor fireworks, and the applause of hundreds of guests, Science City and Burns & McDonnell made it official. They toasted to a new multimilliondollar, multiyear partnership: Science City Powered by Burns & McDonnell.

Separately and together, Science City and Burns & McDonnell have committed themselves to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. After a decade long partnership of proven success, this new partnership made sense.

This type of partnership between a science center and an engineering, architecture and construction firm is truly rare and provides two powerful prospectives: Burns & McDonnell bringing real world experiences from working on complex projects and Science City’s internationally award-winning approach. Together, Science City and Burns & McDonnell provide endless possibilities, one-ofa-kind exhibits and programming to benefit all of Kansas City.

Science City Powered by Burns & McDonnell delivers a commitment to STEM education, discovery and an exciting path to STEM careers including a commitment to two more Battle of the Brains K-12 STEM competitions, Field Trip and Transportation Funds, Professional Pop-Up Series to meet Kansas City STEM professionals, Summer Camp and Internships.

Together, Science City and Burns & McDonnell represent endless potential. The future has never been more exciting for your Internationally Awarded Science Center. ■

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Early Childhood Learning Expansion Science City at Union Station Kansas City Project Introduction

In early 2017, Union Station officials announced plans to develop a blueprint and scope for interactive science learning experiences at Science City for children 0-7 years old. The first step toward that ambitious goal was initiated by partnering with the world-renowned Boston Children’s Museum. Over the course of the ensuing months, Union Station leadership worked extensively with early and informal learning experts from Boston Children’s Museum to bring local and regional realities and insights to ultimately shape what is now a highly actionable and informed plan.

The final project plans unveiled in October 2017 will manifest in world-class early learning experiences for our most valuable resources – the young minds who will, in turn, shape our futures. Plans include multiple exhibit zones and interactive experiences to spark curiosity and creativity in Kansas City’s youngest learners. These plans are aimed to offer rich environments that engage kids in meaningful exploration and discovery, essentials for successful students and future productive citizens and work-place leaders.

It is with great anticipation that Union Station takes these next big steps in the evolution of Science City and its commitment to the Kansas City and regional community. Union Station is REIMAGINING THE FUTURE BY GROWING YOUNGER at Science City! You are invited to join Union Station in support of this remarkable and transformative project.

Why is this project important?

In light of significant developmental research that indicates science learning can be encouraged and stimulated as early as infancy, Science City is expanding early childhood experiences to create a foundation for STEM learning. Positive early experiences in STEM/STEAM can increase lifelong interest and confidence in learning, and give our youngest visitors basic skills that prepare them to start school with more confidence and the necessary skillsets to help them succeed in formal learning environments.

Science museums across the country have witnessed a dramatic growth in the number of family visitors with infants and toddlers. In light of the developmental research that indicates science learning can be encouraged and stimulated as early as infancy (Gopnik, et al). Science City is expanding early childhood experiences to create the foundation for STEM learning.

Positive early experiences in STEM/STEAM can increase lifelong interest and confidence in learning, and give our youngest visitors basic skills that prepare them for the 21st century work force, and/or to pursue STEM-related studies and careers.

With the creation of early childhood spaces, Science City is incorporating the latest scientific research into a vibrantly transformed museum that offers a spectrum of science learning experiences for infants through school-aged audiences. Areas designed for self-directed exploration and for adult-child interactions will broaden and deepen Science City’s mission “to serve as a scientific, educational and cultural resource to the community, dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of science, learning and discovery.”

What will this project achieve?

Well-designed, multisensory experiences for young children lay the foundation for STEM learning. Play promotes learning at young ages and is critical to the child’s optimal development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. When young children explore the world around them they develop the habits of mind that are the core to all learning. Focused adult attention is pivotal to early childhood development. Museum exhibits that are intentionally designed for young children’s play and for adult-child interactions are ideal venues for joyful discoveries and playful learning. Also of import, this project has attracted the interest of not only potential funders, but also local Head Start sites and other potential underserved pre-school partners.

How will this project be sustained?

Recognizing the need for a sustainable business model associated with a project of this scale, included in this $7.6 million Capital Campaign is a 7-year operations/programming plan.

Because Science City is already a sustainable entity, we have the unique opportunity to offer early childhood learning with minimal incremental operating expenses. Management, IT/ticketing systems, utilities, and other building and maintenance costs are already covered, so long-term incremental costs should be easily covered by increased attendance and memberships.

International award-winning Science City has dramatically evolved the last five years, with significant and strategic investments in new and existing mission-focused infrastructure, hands-on exhibitions and high-quality teacher education and programming. Standing on the shoulders of Science City’s successful business model affords tremendous advantages for this project. Science City is already configured with first-class infrastructure. This affords us not only speed to market with new early learning offerings, but keeps our construction budgets much lower than if we were building from the ground up.

Union Station leadership is dedicated to running the monument in a financially sustainable way. Risk is managed such that cost structures are evaluated closely to ensure financial strain does not hamper our ability to remain in a position to cover operating expenses. For the last six years, Union Station has operated cash flow positive. This has allowed for improved financial sustainability, as well as improved building maintenance and increased programming offered to our community.

Additionally, Union Station follows a 25-year maintenance program that outlines a strategic plan for necessary future maintenance, safety and beautification projects, as well as the rest of the current infrastructure of Union Station. The annual costs of these maintenance activities are reviewed with our Board and built into our annual operating budgets.

Who will this project benefit?

There is a critical need for quality, inquiry-based science education in the Early Childhood spectrum. Hands-on science programming, supporting science materials, science-focused professional development offerings and readily available informal family engagement opportunities are all key components of a formula for setting a strong foundation for future science learning in children. By creating areas dedicated to young children during a critical developmental phase, Science City will expand the pipeline of skill building across cognitive, social-emotional, and physical domains, the very skills needed for science learning. This project will directly impact the following populations in greater KC: children ages 0-7, families with children of all ages, early childhood educators, childcare providers, and more. This project is exciting, vitally important and leading-edge.

Science City collaborated with the Boston Children’s Museum (BCM), a respected leader in the early childhood field, and leaned on their expertise to assist with the development of this innovative project. Through this partnership, Science City is incorporating the latest scientific research into a vibrantly transformed museum that offers a spectrum of science learning experiences for infants through school-aged audiences. The planned three (3) early childhood focused exhibit areas for children birth-7 and their adult caregivers (parents, guardians, childcare provider, etc.) will spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and develop a sense of agency so that children learn how to learn in independent and self-directed ways.

By creating areas dedicated to young children during a critical developmental phase, Science City will expand the pipeline of skill building across cognitive, social-emotional, and physical domains, the very skills needed for science learning.

• Let’s Play! For Little Explorers is dedicated specifically to the developmental needs of children from infancy through age 3, and to the critical role the adults play in the child’s learning.

• Creative Corner is a multisensory area that can be programmed for infants through 3 year olds and infants to 7 year olds, depending on the day. Through open-ended arts and STEAM experiences, children explore materials, develop fine motor skills, and try out art-making processes, while also developing science process thinking.

• All Aboard! is an immersive environmental concept for 4-7 year old children and their adults, featuring evocative contemporary designs and interactives that encourage dramatic play, exploration, observation, cooperative and collaborative problem solving, and discovery – the basis of STEM learning.

LET’S PLAY! FOR LITTLE EXPLORERS – for infants through 3 year olds

In a museum setting for young children, learning involves all domains – cognitive, social-emotional, and physical - and easily crosses disciplines. It is critical to set the stage for various pretend play scenarios in environments that support contextualized conversations. Pretend play enhances children’s language and literacy, and social emotional development in that children take on roles based on familiar props and environments that they can change, develop play narratives, and build vocabulary.

Through pretend play that goes beyond the child’s everyday experiences a child expands her scope of experience, fostering new vocabulary and connections among her own experiences and those of others, while also fostering social emotional development. This lays the foundation for STEM learning and for 21st century skill development.

Within the current landscape of early childhood, children have fewer chances to develop gross motor skills and to test their physical limits. Young children need opportunities to jump, for example, from reasonable heights in order to develop large bone strength as they grow. Experiences that encourage this type of physical activity should “grow with the child” meaning we need developmentally appropriate levels of physical risk.

Additionally, any early childhood space must also support children’s development of fine motor skills, such as pincher grip, lacing, and hand-eye coordination. Among the most important school readiness skills are the child’s ability to hold a pencil or crayon and manipulate scissors. This early tool use also prefigures use of more complex tool use later that are required for STEM learning.

CREATIVE CORNER

How we see the world, gather and manipulate information and images, and acquire and use language, are all fundamental to creativity. Whether in science, humanities, or the arts, the courage to explore, arrange and rearrange, and transform materials develops our creative muscle.

Elliot Eisner, a professor of education at Stanford University, offers a deeper understanding of the role of the arts in a child’s life: “The arts teach children that problems can have more than one solution and that questions can have more than one answer. The arts celebrate multiple perspectives. One of the large lessons kids can learn from practicing the arts is that there are many ways to see and interpret the world.”

Making and creating art share the common qualities of engaging the maker or artist in deep thinking, problem solving, using imagination, and open-ended creativity. The skills inherent to the creative processes of art and making are nearly identical, and are referred to as habits of mind that are needed to make investigation of a problem more efficient, thorough and rewarding.

They are the skills that children access whenever they endeavor to make something. They are also skills that some children lack if deprived of opportunities to develop them. Focusing on science as a creative and an active process can help to promote the idea that learning is an enjoyable enterprise for adults and children.

With this open-ended exploration in mind, Creative Arts provides a safe place for children to develop fine motor skills (pincher grip, holding a crayon, paint brush, pointing, putting small items together and taking them apart, etc.). Visitors can take advantage of the museum’s space for Creative play with shaving cream, painting or play dough that they may be reluctant to engage with at home – because it’s Creative! The Creative Arts area will be a fully immersive art space where visitors engage in whimsical, multisensory arts explorations.

ALL ABOARD! – Trains at Union Station

Science City at Union Station is uniquely positioned to present visitors with multifaceted explorations of trains. An architectural and historic icon, Union Station provides an ideal backdrop for dramatic play, and curiosity and creativity in construction of Lego trains, role play in scaled train cars, and exploration of intermodal transportation.

STEM learning opportunities are integral to the All Aboard! Experience. In the Dining Car, weight and measures exhibits will give children an opportunity to explore math concepts. The Intermodal Transportation Table will provide activities for exploring engineering concepts within the context of Kansas City transportation systems. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will encounter exhibits that integrate STEM subjects with language and literacy exploration through reading and storytelling activities, all rooted in trains and Kansas City culture.

CREATIVE CORNER TARGET AUDIENCE Weekdays • Children ages 3 and under and their adult caregivers Weekends, Summers, Summer Vacations • Children 7 and under and their adult caregivers Experience Goals for Children • Explore open-ended, sensory-rich materials, with opportunities to discover what the materials can do and how they can be manipulated.

• Develop creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills by focusing on process over product.

• Practice their developing fine motor skills through opportunities to engage with a variety of tools and techniques.

• Delight in playing with materials, making choices, and Being allowed to be a little messy.

Experience Goals for Adults • Notice and appreciate the learning that happens as children explore materials, and share interesting discoveries about the material world with their children.

• Support children’s fine motor development by scaffolding tools use and encouraging persistence.

• Be in a state of relaxed engagement — appreciating the value of messy sensory play and art-making in someone else’s space.

ALL ABOARD! TARGET AUDIENCE Weekdays • Children ages 3 and under and their adult caregivers Weekends, Summers, Summer Vacations • Children 7 and under and their adult caregivers

EXPERIENCE GOALS • Engage in train and railroad-themed activities to develop spatial thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Engage in role play and imaginative play inspired by the people and technology of trains and railroads.

• Learn about and appreciate the complex, creative systems that define train networks.

• Enjoy a range of developmentally appropriate experiences that offer opportunities to develop physical, social, and emotional skills.

ALL ABOARD! Main Message

MAIN MESSAGE

Trains a vital part oftransportation a Trains areare a vital part of a transportation system that moves system that moves people and cargo all people and cargo all around the around the United States.

United States.

Secondary Messages Secondary Messages • Trains and railroads are remarkable—and ever-evolving—feats of engineering and technology. ● þɭŔǫȥɽ ŔȥƎ ɭŔǫȍɭȶŔƎɽ Ŕɭơ ɭơȟŔɭȇŔŹȍơࢗŔȥƎ ơʽơɭ࢛ơʽȶȍʽǫȥnjࢗljơŔʋɽ ȶlj ơȥnjǫȥơơɭǫȥnj ŔȥƎ • People working on trains and railroads use spatial thinking skills ʋơƃǠȥȶȍȶnjˊࡳ to solve problems. ● áơȶɢȍơ ˁȶɭȇǫȥnj ȶȥ ʋɭŔǫȥɽ ŔȥƎ ɭŔǫȍɭȶŔƎɽ • Kansas City’s Union Station was—and is—an important hub for ʠɽơ ɽɢŔʋǫŔȍ ʋǠǫȥȇǫȥnj ɽȇǫȍȍɽ ʋȶ ɽȶȍʽơ trains traveling all around the United States. ɢɭȶŹȍơȟɽࡳ Caregiver Messages ● ŔȥɽŔɽ -ǫʋˊࢬɽ čȥǫȶȥ òʋŔʋǫȶȥ ˁŔɽࢗŔȥƎ • The activities in All Aboard! Engage children in spatial thinking. ǫɽࢗŔȥ ǫȟɢȶɭʋŔȥʋ ǠʠŹ ljȶɭ ʋɭŔǫȥɽ ʋɭŔʽơȍǫȥnj Ŕȍȍ ŔɭȶʠȥƎ ʋǠơ čȥǫʋơƎ òʋŔʋơɽࡳ • Spatial thinking is an understanding of the size, location, and shape of objects; how objects relate to one another; how they move in space; and how these things can be represented.

• Spatial thinking is a powerful problem-solving tool integral to everyday life and utilized in many subjects: the sciences, mathematics, engineering, art, geography, and technology.

Caregiver Messages

● þǠơ Ŕƃʋǫʽǫʋǫơɽ ǫȥ All Aboard! FȥnjŔnjơ ƃǠǫȍƎɭơȥ • Everyone—children and adults alike—can improve their spatial ǫȥ ɽɢŔʋǫŔȍ ʋǠǫȥȇǫȥnjࡳ thinking abilities with practice. ●

òɢŔʋǫŔȍ ʋǠǫȥȇǫȥnj ǫɽ Ŕȥ ʠȥƎơɭɽʋŔȥƎǫȥnj ȶlj ʋǠơ ɽǫ˖ơ࡬ ȍȶƃŔʋǫȶȥ࡬ ŔȥƎ ɽǠŔɢơ ȶlj ȶŹǿơƃʋɽࡸ Ǡȶˁ ȶŹǿơƃʋɽ ɭơȍŔʋơ ʋȶ ȶȥơ ŔȥȶʋǠơɭࡸ Ǡȶˁ ʋǠơˊ ȟȶʽơ ǫȥ ɽɢŔƃơࡸ ŔȥƎ Ǡȶˁ ʋǠơɽơ ʋǠǫȥnjɽ ƃŔȥ Źơ ɭơɢɭơɽơȥʋơƎࡳ

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òɢŔʋǫŔȍ ʋǠǫȥȇǫȥnj ǫɽ Ŕ ɢȶˁơɭljʠȍ ɢɭȶŹȍơȟ࢛ɽȶȍʽǫȥnj ʋȶȶȍ ǫȥʋơnjɭŔȍ ʋȶ ơʽơɭˊƎŔˊ ȍǫljơ ŔȥƎ ʠʋǫȍǫ˖ơƎ ǫȥ ȟŔȥˊ ɽʠŹǿơƃʋɽ࡫ ʋǠơ ɽƃǫơȥƃơɽ࡬ ȟŔʋǠơȟŔʋǫƃɽ࡬ ơȥnjǫȥơơɭǫȥnj࡬ Ŕɭʋ࡬ njơȶnjɭŔɢǠˊ࡬ ŔȥƎ ʋơƃǠȥȶȍȶnjˊࡳ

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FʽơɭˊȶȥơࢗƃǠǫȍƎɭơȥ ŔȥƎ ŔƎʠȍʋɽ ŔȍǫȇơࢗƃŔȥ ǫȟɢɭȶʽơ ʋǠơǫɭ ɽɢŔʋǫŔȍ ʋǠǫȥȇǫȥnj ŔŹǫȍǫʋǫơɽ ˁǫʋǠ ɢɭŔƃʋǫƃơࡳ

al t n e m ion e l p mat p Su for In KANSAS CITY’S SCIENCE CITY ANNOUNCES

PLANS TO EXPAND IMPACT BY ADDING DEDICATED EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMMING

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 15, 2016) Union Station’s Board announced plans today to develop blueprint and scope for interactive science learning experiences for children age 0 - 7 years old.

The first step toward this ambitious goal has been initiated by retaining the renowned Boston Children’s Museum to conduct a 3-month planning phase – beginning in 1st Quarter, 2017 -- that will result in specific recommendations regarding new exhibition and programming spaces for early childhood development.

“As one of the largest and oldest children’s museums in the world, Boston Children’s Museum is also one of the most influential,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, said. “They have earned a celebrated status for engaging children in discovery experiences that develop foundational skills and spark a lifelong love of learning. To extend their expertise, Boston Children’s Museum also provides highly-regarded museum consulting services to other category leaders, such as Kansas City’s Science City. We could not have made a better choice in this early planning phase.”

Phase One of the planning will be fully-funded through the generous support of the Hall Family Foundation.

“The Hall Family Foundation is pleased to support Union Station’s Science City with this important planning phase,” Rebecca Hall, program officer at Hall Family Foundation, said. “As one of our areas of focus is Pre-K through 12 education, we appreciate the impact these types of initiatives can have in stimulating imagination and encouraging early learning.”

The collaboration between Boston Children’s Museum and Science City’s professional staff is expected to produce a detailed roadmap to dynamic new programmatic offerings. Specific deliverables of the initial effort will be informed diagrams of exhibit zones and areas as they relate to existing as well as newly purposed architectural space. Specific exhibit modules for these early learning spaces will also be brainstormed and conceptually designed.

An Early Childhood Center as part of Kansas City’s award-winning Science Center, Science City is a natural extension of the current Union Station core mission: “To serve as a scientific, educational and cultural resource to the community, dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of science, learning and discovery.”

“Science City, recently recognized and awarded on the world stage, has evolved in dramatic fashion in the last four years with specific focus on rotating programming and updated exhibits,” Jerry Baber, executive vice president and COO of Union Station, said. “Significant and strategic investments in new and existing infrastructure, hands-on exhibitions and high-quality programming have resulted in increased attendance, guest satisfaction and membership growth. In fact, over the last four years, attendance has been up over 50%. That same focus on highest-quality experiences will soon extend to families with younger children as they seek world-class resources here in our community. Early estimates to bring this new addition to Kansas City’s Science Center range from $4M to $7M.” Pulling from all major residential neighborhoods in the metropolitan area and centrally located, Science City successfully serves the broader Kansas City community with its current programming focused on ages 5-12. Science City also offers

convenient access to underserved neighborhoods along with low cost public transit options already in place.

With this undertaking, Science City will expand its impact on science learning by reaching children during a critical developmental phase. As well, parents and caregivers will be exposed to and given the essential skills to participate in their child’s early childhood development and education.

Kliff Kuehl, president and CEO of KCPT was quick to endorse the notion of a community collaboration in establishing the kind of children’s museum envisioned by Union Station’s Science Center.

“Children’s programming that challenges and builds young minds should be a community priority,” Kuehl said. “That’s what motivated KCPT to recently announce our 24 hour KCPT Kids channel. We know from our own work that there are few other priorities that hold the promise of long-term community success than investing in early childhood learning.

We applaud this bold step by the leadership of Union Station. They’ve proven their ability to bring partners, resources and programming together for the greater good of Kansas City with a particular emphasis on families and children.

KCPT looks forward to collaborating early and often in this new and additional Science City focus.”

As well, Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce also commented on Union Station’s latest announcement and immediate plan.

“The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is committed to improving early childhood education throughout our region as one of our Big 5 initiatives,” Reardon said. “Growing Kansas City’s workforce of tomorrow through the type of investment Union Station plans is a wonderful, new opportunity for the very youngest in our community. Science City is already a top-ranked science museum and an educational asset to Greater Kansas City. Extending their reach to our youngest learners is a natural next step, and, as a tenant of Union Station and a father, I’m excited to watch it come to life.”

Jeff Rosenblatt, director of exhibits, Science City, and author of the internal position paper which overviews this early learning initiative, also commented on the importance of early childhood learning.

“Learning opportunities specifically designed for children play an important role for most modern science centers,” Rosenblatt said. “Research increasingly points to the significance of positive, early learning experiences during the pivotal ages of 0-7, both through direct hands-on activities with exhibits and programs and through interactions with parents and caregivers. We can directly contribute to the development of engaged science learners of the future by creating exhibit spaces that promote the power of play, inspire critical thinking skills, foster natural curiosity, and support learning and discovery for children. And in the broadest terms, that type of experience for children is a critical contribution for a successful community of learners in Kansas City.”

With the anticipated opening of the first-time Science City outdoor exhibit area created by the winners of the most recent Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains competition, community enthusiasm for this next significant early learning step is expected to also be high.

“This is an important vision for our entire community,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, said.

“We are uniquely qualified and situated to make this happen with a keen focus on quality and long-term community engagement. Executing on our long-term strategic plan has brought us to this point. With the encouragement of business leaders, educators and early childhood advocates, our confidence in timing, existing infrastructure and ability to deliver is extremely high. We’ll soon be engaging with many others across Kansas City for support and partnership in order to ensure a collaborative and dramatic success.”

al t n e m ion e l p mat p Su for In Union Station Unveils Plans to Significantly Expand Early Childhood Learning in Greater Kansas City Science City Receives $4 Million Grant from the Hall Family Foundation to Propel Plans into Action

KANSAS CITY, MO (October 10, 2017) Today, on the expansive ground floor of internationally-awarded Science City at Union Station, over 100 leaders from the early childhood, academic, business, civic and funding community gathered for the unveiling of plans to greatly expand critical early childhood learning in Kansas City. To put these plans into immediate action, a significant $4 million grant from Hall Family Foundation was announced to help propel the massive $7 million initiative forward.

Earlier this year, Union Station officials announced plans – generously funded by the Hall Family Foundation - to develop a blueprint and scope for interactive science learning experiences at Science City for children 0-7 years old. The first step toward that ambitious goal was initiated by retaining the world-renowned Boston Children’s Museum. Over the course of the ensuing months, Union Station leadership worked extensively with early and informal learning experts from Boston Children’s Museum to bring local and regional realities and insights to ultimately shape what is now a highly actionable and informed plan.

“As one of the largest and oldest children’s museums in the world, Boston Children’s Museum is a powerhouse and deep with experience and expertise,” Bob Regnier, Board Chair, Union Station Board of Directors, shared. “We feel fortunate for their deep and established leadership in early learning.”

Leading the Early Childhood Initiative from the Union Station Board is Ramón Murguía, Vice Chairman, who expanded on the value of having such a qualified partner in planning.

“The wealth of proven results from the Boston Children’s Museum is paying off for the entire Kansas City community,” Murguía, said. “The plans unveiled today will drive our next 21 months of action and will manifest in world-class early learning experiences for our most valuable resources . . . the young minds who will, in turn, shape our futures.”

Plans include multiple exhibit zones and interactive experiences to spark curiosity and creativity in Kansas City’s youngest learners. These plans are aimed to offer rich environments that engage kids in meaningful exploration and discovery . . . essentials for successful students and future productive citizens and work-place leaders.

“Learning opportunities specifically designed for children play an important role for most modern science centers,” Carole Charnow, president and CEO, Boston Children’s Museum, said. “We’ve brought to bear our own decades of experience in engaging our youngest children along with the latest research from MIT, Harvard and other leading research institutions on how infants and toddlers learn. What Kansas City is about to do - through the proven Science City platform – is exciting, vitally important and leading edge. It’s been an extreme pleasure to have our teams collaborate during this planning phase.”

An Early Childhood Center as part of Kansas City’s award-winning Science City is a natural extension of the current Science City core mission: to serve as a scientific, educational and cultural resource to the community, dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of science, learning and discovery.

“Science City - now 18 years old - recognized and awarded on the world stage, has evolved in dramatic fashion in the last five years with specific focus on rotating programming and high impact exhibits,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, said. “Significant and strategic investments in new and existing mission-focused infrastructure, handson exhibitions and high-quality teacher education and programming have put us in position to take this next big leap forward. In fact, without those community investments – like the one announced today from the Hall Family Foundation – we would still be at the drawing board with the best of intentions, unfulfilled. With the generous $4 million grant from the Hall Family Foundation, we are once again in position to reshape the local and regional landscape as it relates to strengthening our community, this time starting with our youngest citizens. We simply can’t thank Kansas City enough for challenging us, then giving us the room and resources to regularly exceed expectations. We now are reimagining the future by growing younger.”

Rebecca Hall, program officer at the Hall Family Foundation, provided further perspective . . .

“We know the promise of long-term community success starts with investing in early childhood learning,” Hall, shared.

“We applaud this bold step by the leadership of Union Station. As one of our areas of focus is Pre-K through 12 education, we appreciate the impact these types of initiatives can have in stimulating imagination and encouraging early learning.”

The business community – given voice by Joe Reardon, president and CEO, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce – also delivered a strong endorsement . . .

“The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is committed to improving early childhood education throughout our region as one of our Big 5 initiatives,” Reardon, said. “Growing Kansas City’s workforce of tomorrow through the big initiatives like Union Station is undertaking is critically important. This represents a tremendous new opportunity for the very youngest in our community. Science City is already a top-ranked science center and an educational asset to Greater Kansas City. Extending their reach to our youngest learners is a natural and much-needed next step.”

Translating plans to action for the $7 million initiative will begin immediately, with an opening of the three dedicated areas targeted for mid-2019. Station officials emphasized how speed-to-market is one of their strengths when it comes to delivery of programs and experiences . . .

“As we look to the future and this next evolutionary step, the advantages of standing on the shoulders of Science City’s successful business model affords us tremendous advantages,” Jerry Baber, Union Station executive vice president and COO, said. “Science City is already configured with first-class infrastructure. This affords us not only speed to market with new early learning offerings, but keeps our construction budgets much lower than if we were building from the ground up. That ultimately translates to more investment in actual programming. Additionally, Science City already enjoys a dynamic and award-winning professional staff of educators. With specific early learning training, we will extend our reputation for stellar guest experience to new audiences. These new early learning programs and places in Science City will fill 13,000 dedicated SQF with a complete programmatic footprint of nearly 35,000 SQF, but more importantly, will greatly expand our community commitment to kindergarten readiness. The STEM pipeline will grow and in so doing, will help ensure Kansas City’s reputation nationally for aggressively focusing on the human element of what it takes to be a world-class city.”

Additional fundraising toward the complete financial investment also started today and was emphasized as both a priority and opportunity by Union station leadership . . .

“Executing on our long-term strategic plan has brought us to this point and with the involvement of business leaders, foundations, educators, early childhood advocates, and family-focused individuals, we will deliver something truly amazing . . . for generations to come,” Guastello, said. “We invite all of Kansas City to invest with us and help shape and ensure the success of Greater Kansas City’s next and future generations.”

al t n e m ion e l p mat p Su for In

PNC Foundation Awards $1 Million Grow Up Great Grant To Support Science City’s Early Education Programs, Learning Lab

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 4, 2018 – Today, the PNC Foundation announced a five-year, $1 million grant to Union Station’s Science City in support of science education that will benefit approximately 14,000 members of the community, with a focus on Head Start preschool students, children and families. The funding, made possible through the PNC Foundation as part of its signature philanthropic early education initiative, PNC Grow Up Great, will also support the establishment of a multipurpose classroom space at Science City and touch an additional 260,000 annual visitors to the science center. The grant is PNC’s largest to date in Kansas City.

“We’ve had the privilege of funding the ‘One World, One Sky’ show at Science City’s Arvin Gottlieb planetarium for more than 10 years, and this grant reflects our strong relationship with Science City and commitment to school readiness across the region,” said Dale Klose, PNC regional president for Kansas City. “Science City’s focus on helping preschoolers, educators and families understand the world around us is perfectly aligned with the mission of PNC Grow Up Great. We are committed to helping young children in the community achieve success in school and life.”

Education for the Educators: Through the PNC Grow Up Great program, professionals at Science City will implement the Early Childhood Hands-On Science (ECHOS) curriculum, which was developed and tested with funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute for Education Sciences to meet the need for a comprehensive preschools science curriculum.

The curriculum is research based, aligned with early childhood standards, and provides a foundation for critical thinking. This grant will include a train-the-trainer model led by Science City, to help implement ECHOS in 16 Head Start classrooms across three PNC Grow Up Great partner sites. Additionally, this initiative will include two annual in-classroom educator coaching visits.

A Program for Teachers, Students and Families: Among the highlights of the program for teachers and students will be annual visits to Science City to explore new Early Childhood exhibits and enjoy special programming in the multipurpose classroom space. ECHOS learning kits and supporting materials will also be provided to enhance classroom science areas along with funding for the purchase of STEM early education books for classroom libraries.

Expanding on Long-Standing Relationship: “We are thrilled to expand our long-standing and strong relationship with PNC and the PNC Grow Up Great program,” said George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station. “Our sincere appreciation goes to the entire PNC organization. Their support of our efforts date back to 2006 and have added greatly to our internationallyawarded success. The Greater Kansas City community of educators, preschoolers and their families will all benefit from this latest initiative. In an increasingly competitive, global environment that will depend on a well-educated

workforce, Science City is ready to serve as the perfect home for a program designed to help our future leaders build their STEM knowledge and prepare for success in the classroom and in life.”

Extending Science City Reach To Both Sides Of State Line: “This exciting news will impact both sides of our State Line and focus on the diverse, young promise and potential across our community,” said Ramón Murguía, Vice Chairman of Union Station’s Board of Directors. “More than ever, our kids need these types of advantages to be best prepared for success in school and beyond. It was only six months ago that we announced how Science City was “growing younger” with a major expansion of our early learning places and programs. We’re now well underway and today, our tremendous friends at PNC are helping push those plans to new heights by extending their long-standing commitment to Science City and Greater Kansas City in profound fashion. It’s already been a great year at Kansas City’s Science Center and it just keeps getting better.”