AdventHealth for Children has gifted $1 million to Orlando Science Center, supporting the organization’s Unlock Science Campaign and creating new exhibits, experiences, and educational programs to provide high-quality STEM experiences for individuals in the Central Florida community.

This gift is part of a 10-year partnership to advance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and career aspirations for youth and will allow Orlando Science Center to provide STEM learning for patients at AdventHealth for Children, at its West Lakes Early Learning Center and in Central Florida’s underserved neighborhoods. AdventHealth for Children medical professionals will also have the chance to collaborate on Science Center events, initiatives, and outreach.

“AdventHealth for Children’s collaboration with the STEM Discovery Center is a perfect alignment of our shared visions for a stronger, healthier community,” said JoAnn Newman, President & CEO of Orlando Science Center. “Together we will empower students, educators, and visitors through innovative, immersive, high-quality STEM education experiences.”

Unlock Science is a multimillion-dollar, multi-year fundraising effort to invest in the future of Orlando Science Center and its commitment to be a strong resource for informal science learning, family engagement and STEM workforce development. The campaign has raised over $30 million since 2014 and completely transformed the Science Center with projects like KidsTown, the STEM Discovery Center, and the all-new Life exhibit.

Through this exciting partnership, AdventHealth for Children will become the presenting sponsor of the Science Center’s STEM Discovery Center, which impacts on all the Science Center’s STEM education initiatives, including community outreach, science competitions, and summer camps. The STEM Discovery Center — which is located on the second level of the Science Center and is the educational hub of the Science Center’s ongoing mission to inspire science learning for life —  provides new ways for all Central Florida’s students, regardless of background, to learn skills and interface with the tools needed to overcome society’s greatest obstacles and challenges.

In addition to impacting onsite educational opportunities, AdventHealth for Children will be the benefactor of a robust offsite program, including a fleet of eight vans, which regularly transport staff, supplies and materials to programs at schools, neighborhood centers, YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs. Over the past year alone, 381 unique STEM programming experiences were delivered to public and private schools, community centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, and YMCAs in more than 30 counties across Florida.

This partnership includes utilizing AdventHealth University faculty as guest speakers and students as summer camp volunteers. Looking ahead, AdventHealth University is exploring field trips, summer camps, and a Medical Career Science Night on its nearby Orlando campus. By partnering with Orlando Science Center, AdventHealth for Children will engage and educate children and adults in science and technology, filling the pipeline for future health care professionals.

"AdventHealth for Children is deeply committed to bringing wholeness to our community and fostering wellness, education, and innovation,” said Kristi Baker, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “It’s our hope that our expanding partnership with Orlando Science Center will ignite a passion for STEM and cultivate a lifelong love of learning and curiosity in our youth, as well as inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Our long-term goal is to fill the critical need for health care professionals.”