General SCI

This summer, we were fortunate to have to talented and passionate individuals from the Summer Ladders AmeriCorps Program join the SCI team to support our mission – to engage and inspire Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning.

This unique program places individuals in summer programs across the state of Iowa each year where they are charged with developing high quality activities and facilitating those activities with high need youth in an effort to mitigate the summer learning loss experienced by some youth.

Thank you, Meaghan, for your support this summer!

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Tell us about yourself.

I am from Waverly, Iowa. I am currently a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in Biomedical Engineering. My passions are running, reading and quilting.

How did you get involved in the AmeriCorps Summer Ladder Program?

I got involved with the AmeriCorps after a high school classmate’s sister talked about how great her experience was with Green Iowa.

What have you been working on at SCI this summer?

I have been working on prototyping STEM workshops that will be taken on the road outside the Des Moines area.

What has been one of your most memorable moments from your time at SCI?

One of my most memorable experiences was with a youth who was struggling with circuits. He was frustrated almost to tears over how hard it seemed. After having him try again and again, he was able to get the paper circuit to work. From there, he then created much larger and more complex circuits without any help. It really showed the value of pushing through struggles - no matter the age. It also was heartwarming to see the change in confidence he had.

What is your goal for the future?

To graduate from the University of Iowa and then pursue a career in vaccine and disease research. 

Adapting & Innovating Through Change

As we’ve navigated this year of change and uncertainty, one thing we’ve seen time and time again is that SCIENCE IS ESSENTIAL.

There's still time to support SCI as we continue inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors, teachers, astronauts and inventors... the ones who will solve the world’s next big problems.  

With a focus on our mission, the SCI team has adapted and innovated to provide programs and services during this unprecedented time.

• Safety First – SCI's plans throughout the pandemic have been rooted in science. A strategic reopening plan focused on the health and safety of staff, volunteers, members and visitors while following the guidance of public health officials and best practices shared by our peers at the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Watch our "Welcome Back" video
• Virtual Programming – This spring, SCI staff worked quickly to implement “Go Beyond with SCI,” an initiative that provides at-home resources and learning opportunities through virtual platforms and an online library of resources, workshops and presentations.
• Preschool Classes - The SCI Preschool resumed onsite operations at the end of May with safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for early childhood STEM learning. In-person and virtual classes provide safe and flexible options to support families. 
• Summer Camps - SCI Summer Camps operated virtually for the first two weeks and moved to in-person camp experiences for the remaining 10 weeks with reduced numbers of campers and new procedures to reduce the spread of germs.  
• SCI Reopens – In July, SCI reopened to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Reopening procedures included the requirement of masks and health screenings as well as enhanced safety and sanitation procedures. Over Labor Day weekend, we opened a new traveling exhibit, SUE: The T. rex Experience, bringing a world-class experience to Central Iowa.
• Resources for Hundreds of Educators – This fall, SCI's Science Learning team delivered more than 400 “Pint Size Science” kits and trainings to educators across the state to support STEM learning in schools and classrooms through the Iowa Governor’s STEM Scale-Up Program. 

Many Challenges Remain

With all of these successful adaptations, it’s important to remember that many challenges remain. 

SCI continues to operate at essential staffing levels. Our hours are still restricted and access to many high-touch exhibits is limited. Programs and events have been cancelled or limited due to resource restrictions. 

To continue meeting the needs of our community, we need your support now more than ever. 

Make a year-end contribution

Ways to Support SCI

Here are some ways you can support SCI before the end of the year: 

• Support the mission with a year-end gift. Your contribution will help with essential operational relief and support the ongoing development of science learning programming for the community. Visit sciowa.org/donatenow to make a contribution.
  • Sources to consider – cash, donor advised funds, appreciated stock, IRA charitable rollover, to name a few. Consult with your tax advisor on which option is ideal for your personal situation.
• Become a member, renew your membership or purchase a gift membership for friends and family. View membership options at sciowa.org/membership 
  
  
• Make a legacy gift. Inspire the next generation by advancing STEM resources in the future with a planned gift from your estate. A bequest in your will or designating the Science Center of Iowa as one of your insurance beneficiaries are a couple examples. Learn more at sciowa.myplannedgift.org
  
  
• Amplify Your Impact: Become a STEM Champion! Amplify your impact by crafting a personal SCI fundraising page and becoming a STEM Champion. Create a team and challenge your friends or colleagues! Learn more about becoming a STEM Champion

Together, we will continue to spark innovation and imagination for the next 50 years and beyond.