South Florida Tech HubSouth Florida Tech Hub

By Adam Elitzur

PBC STEM Ecosystem Meeting

Join us for our PBC STEM Ecosystem Meeting on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach. Be part of the discussion about STEM education and experiences that align with our local STEM industry workforce needs.

The Palm Beach County STEM Learning Ecosystem is a collective impact initiative of private, public, and nonprofit sectors committed to cultivating and sustaining a robust and equitable ecosystem that provides world-class STEM opportunities and experiences for all learners throughout the region.

By Nikki Cabus

Broward College iSTEM Center Opens its Doors to Faculty at Professional Development Day

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Earlier this month Broward College introduced faculty and staff to the brand new iSTEM Center during their annual Professional Development Day.

A cutting-edge mobile technology center equipped with state-of-the-art software, hardware, and tools, the iSTEM Mobile’s debut marks a significant milestone in Broward College’s commitment to advancing STEM education. Designed to ignite students’ interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the iSTEM Center provides an immersive, hands-on experience in robotics, coding, autonomous vehicles, and more.

Broward College’s “Accelerating College Completion by Engaging Students in STEM” (ACCESS) Project Grant through Title III addresses the academic and support services needs of Hispanics and underrepresented population and the growing need of employers in the region and needs of the students to improve completion and transfer rates in the Information Technology field of study.

The five-year, $5 Million grant was funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) STEM and Articulation program. The goal of this grant is to increase enrollment of full-time Hispanic and low-income degree-seeking students in STEM fields; expand integrated student academic and support services for Hispanics & low-income students in IT Career Pathways; increase success and completion of Hispanics and other low-income students in IT Career Pathway programs, and strengthen and develop articulation agreements and activities in IT Career Pathways.

This Spring the iSTEM Center will visit select Broward County public high schools, where students can explore tools that will be available to them in classes offered at Broward College. The mobile unit that will offer experiential learning experiences within Broward UP (Unlimited Potential) communities which have the high rates of unemployment in Broward County.

During the unveiling, faculty members had an exclusive opportunity to discover the mobile bus’s incredible capabilities. Engaging in virtual reality simulations, interacting with robots, and operating autonomous vehicles were just a glimpse of the exciting experiences. The mobile center encourages faculty to explore integrating these technologies into their course designs.

“I’m thrilled to present iSTEM Center to our faculty, as it serves the powerful purpose of enhancing our hands-on learning experiences and providing community members and students with an opportunity to delve into computer science and IT,” said Senior Project Director, Robert Diaz.

“These careers are in high demand, and our continuous aim is to equip students with opportunities, tools, and pathways for successful careers in these industries.”

Funding for the iSTEM Center comes from the U.S. Department of Education HSI STEM & Articulation Program, with additional support from the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Community Project. Key personnel include Senior Director Robert Diaz, iSTEM Director Dr. Mitzi Fulwood, Apprenticeship Director Dr. Rehana Seepersad, Student Success Coordinator Arthur Rose, and part-time student assistants.

Learn more about Broward College’s STEM programs here.

By Nikki Cabus

Gary Vaynerchuck is coming to West Palm Beach as keynote for PBSC Foundation STEAM luncheon

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One of the leading global minds on innovation and technology, Gary Vaynerchuk will be coming to West Palm Beach in April!

Gary Vaynerchuck or “GaryVee” as he is known will be the keynote speaker at Palm Beach State College Foundation’s Yvonne S. Boice STEAM Luncheon on Tuesday, April 16th from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. He will share his insights on how to bring your brand to the forefront with people and technology.

Presented by Bank of America, the event will be held at the beautiful Kravis Center for Performing Arts Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Other sponsors of the event include South Florida Tech Hub and the Palm Beach Post.

The mission of the Foundation at Palm Beach State College is to seek philanthropic gifts and partnerships to further initiatives and opportunities that transform students’ lives and impact the economic and cultural prosperity of the community.

Today’s Foundation for Palm Beach State is defined by relationships – the ones that bring partners, friends and donors committed to the students they serve and the community we share. The Foundation provides value to the College by expanding awareness of and engagement in Palm Beach State while accepting, stewarding and distributing philanthropic gifts in accordance with donors’ wishes.

After a three-year hiatus from 2021-23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the signature event aims to increase scholarships, business partnerships and internship opportunities to support students pursuing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics fields.

“GaryVee is a globally respected and admired leader and one of the most forward thinkers in business,” said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D.

“His participation in our STEAM Luncheon will help amplify our initiatives to educate our students in critical STEAM fields and support the STEAM employers in our area.”

Keynote speaker, Gary Vaynerchuck is a serial entrepreneur, prolific angel investor, international social media influencer, and is considered one of the leading global minds on what’s next in culture, relevance and the internet. He is described as one of the most forward thinkers in business – he acutely recognizes trends and patterns early to help others understand how these shifts impact consumer behavior. Whether it’s emerging artists, esports, NFT investing, or digital communications, Gary understands how to bring brand relevance to the forefront.

GaryVee is the Chairman of VaynerX, the CEO of VaynerMedia, and the Creator & CEO of VeeFriends. Through VaynerMedia, a full-service advertising agency, he helps Fortune 1000 brands leverage consumer attention. VaynerMedia is part of the VaynerX holding company, including Eva Nosidam Productions, Vayner3, Gallery Media Group, The Sasha Group, VaynerSpeakers, and VaynerCommerce.

GaryVee is also prolific angel investor with early investments in companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbvase, and Uber. He is also the co-founder of VaynerSports, Resy and Empathy Wines. He guided both Resy and Empathy to successful exits – which were sold respectively to American Express and Constellation Brands. He is also a board member at Candy Digital, co-founder of VCR Group, co-founder of ArtOfficial, and co-founder of VaynerWATT.

GaryVee also documents his life daily as a CEO through his social media channels, which have more than 44 million followers and garnish over 173 million monthly impressions/views across all platforms. In addition, Vee was recently named to the Fortune list of the Top 50 Influential people in the NFT industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Vaynerchuk as his expertise with today’s cutting-edge technologies and passion for entrepreneurship complements Palm Beach State’s advancements in these areas,” said David Rutherford, vice president of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the Foundation for PBSC.

“As the College has become a leader in innovation and educational technology, it is very fitting to have a pioneer of his magnitude to reignite Palm Beach State’s signature event.”

The annual luncheon will honor the philanthropic legacy of the College’s late friend, STEAM chair and respected pillar in the community Yvonne S. Boice, who passed away last year. According to an article on the National Trust for Humanities website, “Boice’s years of service and dedication to her numerous arts, cultural and humanities endeavors was recognized across academia and the U.S. government.”

“Boice led national and local fundraising efforts—chairing initiatives ranging from the Trust to Palm Beach State College’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) efforts and community space improvements. Boice served as Chair of the Palm Beach International Film Festival, Vice-Chair of the Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park, Chair of the board of overseers of Lynn University and was a long-time supporter of Palm Beach Community College. She also served as a board member of the YMCA of Boca Raton and South Palm Beach County. In recognition of her work, she was honored with many prestigious awards and two honorary doctorate degrees.”

In 2013, Palm Beach State College launched a major initiative to impact a projected shortage of skilled professionals in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) related fields. STEAM scholarships position students for high-paying, high-demand jobs that further their economic mobility and the local workforce.Now named for our dearly departed friend, inspiration and STEAM chairperson, The Yvonne S. Boice STEAM Luncheon honors her memory and welcomes Mr. Gary Vaynerchuk.

If you would like to be a part of the Tech Hub table at the event, please email team@techhubsouthflorida.org

To purchase individual tickets please visit, www.palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/steam.

By Nikki Cabus

Palm Beach State College receives $8M from Related Companies towards student scholarships

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The Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program at Palm Beach State College, created by Related Companies, was announced last month during a ceremony at Gaines Park in West Palm Beach. The $8 million gift will support West Palm Beach students in grades 7-12 and follow them through their postsecondary education with full scholarships at Palm Beach State.

“This gift is going to accelerate opportunities for West Palm Beach residents and businesses by helping remove the leading barrier to economic growth, and that’s the knowledge gap,” said PBSC President Ava. L. Parker, J.D. “What’s so amazing about working with Stephen and his vision is that he understands that it’s not enough just to say to 12th-graders it’s time to go to college and here’s a scholarship. He understands the communication and the partnership must start so much earlier in the lives of these students.”

The $8 million gift, the first contribution of the Related Together grantmaking foundation, will ensure that every future graduate of Palm Beach Lakes and Forest Hill High Schools will receive a full scholarship to Palm Beach State College. The Related Together contribution will also be used to fund college readiness programs for students in grades 7-12 to help prepare them for pathways to a postsecondary education and career credentials that will bolster Palm Beach County’s future workforce.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” said Ross during the ceremony. “You want to live to have an impact and do things that can really benefit people. West Palm Beach and Related Together are really in a position to do that and become the model city for this country.”

Additionally, an Early College Academy will be developed at the two West Palm Beach high schools, which will include paid academic advisors and peer-to-peer student mentors. These student mentors will receive a stipend. The program will also focus on preparing students for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

The program was developed in partnership with the Foundation for Palm Beach State College led by Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the Foundation David Rutherford, who attended the ceremony.

Attending the ceremony with Parker and Rutherford were Chairman of Related Companies and philanthropist Stephen Ross; Related Together Board Chair Gopal Rajegowda; Mayor of West Palm Beach Keith James; West Palm Beach Commissioners Christina Lambert, Christy Fox and Cathleen Ward; President of the Quantum Foundation Eric Kelly; PBSC former District Board of Trustees Chair Carolyn Williams; PBSC Foundation and Quantum Foundation board members; and others.

“This partnership will help accomplish my administration’s goal and that is to make West Palm Beach a community of opportunity for all,” said Mayor James during the event.

Each year, Related Together will contribute funds to implement projects and programs focused on six pillars, including education, housing, income and employment opportunities, health care access, arts and culture engagement, and digital accessibility. The success of each program will be defined by attracting scalable philanthropic investments and proactive grantmaking to launch new programs with the goal to reverse the cycle of poverty and support a cycle of growth.

“Related Together’s model is to have businesses that are coming here invest into the community through this program and work with local leaders to bring accelerated and immediate changes that will shape generations of people,” said Rajegowda at the celebration.

In partnership with Related Companies, Related Together was built through the expertise of local leaders, such as Kelly who is recognized for transformative change in underserved communities.

“These neighborhoods have been resilient, and they have resolved to succeed,” said Kelly. “I’m grateful for the leadership of our mayor, Stephen, Gopal, and in particular Ava Parker to acknowledge that these communities have been ready, they certainly are ready and now they have the opportunity to strive and make life better.”

Three pillars of the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars initiative will help equip students and schools with resources to ensure postsecondary attendance, retention, and completion, leading to career readiness and personal success. The pillars include having Palm Beach State advisors embedded into the high schools to work closely with school counselors to guide students through the dual enrollment selection and registration process.

In addition, the Stephen M. Ross Early College Academy gives access to health sciences, STEM and other high-demand career pathways that empower the individual and impact the community.

Related Together’s organizational structure is comprised of key executive representatives, including Ross, Jeff Brodsky, Ken Himmel, Bruce Warwick, a Board of Directors including Rajegowda, Treasurer Katie Block, and Secretary Jordan Rathlev and supported through local partners and stakeholders, such as the Quantum Foundation, and others to be announced.

For more information and how to support, please visit www.relatedtogether.org.

By Nikki Cabus

FPL’s Classroom Makeover Grant Program helps underserved classroom access STEM education across Florida

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Florida Power & Light‘s Classroom Makeover Grant Program has transformed another five classroom across the state of Florida. 

As part of a $1 million, 4-year commitment from its charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, works to advance STEM curriculum, increase the exposure of Black students to STEM education and jumpstart students’ interest in STEM careers. Each year through 2024, five schools are selected in FPL’s service area to receive the $50,000 grant.

The grants are intended to provide transformational learning opportunities for Black students in classroom settings, as all recipient schools are comprised of at least 25% Black students. The Classroom Makeover Grant program and funds are available to directly addresses needs in infrastructure, technology or resources (i.e., software, equipment, books, training of teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals).

“Our STEM Classroom Makeover Grant allows us to invest in our next generation to help provide transformational learning opportunities for Black students in a STEM classroom setting,” said Pamela Rauch, Vice President of External Affairs & Economic Development for FPL, in a previous interview.

“We are excited that these projects will be one of the first, as we complete our inaugural year of implementing this grant, which allows us to support both educators and students, our next generation of leaders.”

Congratulations to this year’s 2022-2023 winning classrooms in Florida:

FPL’s five classroom makeover grant recipients in Florida for the 2022 inaugural year were:

Cypress Run Education Center School, an alternative school in Broward County, invested in a multimedia technology lab, web design programs, TV production arrangements, coding software, robotics education and Microsoft certifications. South Florida Tech Hub had the honor of being invited to their most recent student Hackathon hosted by STEM teacher, Ms. Osas Guis-Obaseki and Principal Harrigan.

Ms. Osas has spearheaded a STEM Club that meets biweekly to expose students to programming and the computer science field. She has given students the opportunity to to build computers, learn coding and programming, and gain skills using digital tools. Ms. O hosts quarterly Hackathons where students demonstrate their coding skills and compete with other students.

Under her leadership, students have complete the Microsoft certifications in HTML and CSS Programming, Website Design, and MS Office. She has also been able to collaborate with additional industry partners such as CloudHesive, Oracle, ReGenerate Tech, and many more.

Ms. Osas got in touch with South Florida Tech Hub in 2022 as a volunteer at the annual TECHpalooza in Broward County where she also brought students to educate them on the importance of networking, giving back and getting exposure to tech professionals in South Florida.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School in Riviera Beach was also one of five schools in Florida to be awarded a Classroom Makeover Grant from FPL last year to advance STEM curriculum, increase the exposure of Black students to STEM education and jumpstart students’ interest in STEM careers. The $50,000 grant that the school received supported a variety of professional education resources, including computers, robot lab packs, aerodynamics sets, and renewable energy education kits. See the full WPTV update here.

“As a Title 1 school with a 98% Black population, we are committed to providing children of color with vast learning opportunities and exposure to STEM education and careers,” Katrina W. Granger, the principal at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, said.

“We are so appreciative of FPL’s commitment to diversity in STEM, which has made the vision of hardworking and inspiring STEM educator with big dreams, Tracy Howard, come to fruition. This grant will support both Mrs. Howard and her scholars achieve their greatest dream.”

This grant is open to all public, private and charter schools and all grade levels in FPL’s service area in Florida. Grants are also available to schools in areas served by FPL’s sister company NextEra Energy Resources. As with all foundation grants, no customer dollars are involved.

Schools can apply now for the next grant cycle. Applications are now open and will close October 15, 2023! 

  Read more

By Nikki Cabus

IMLS invests more than $31 Million in grants to museums across America including Ft. Lauderdale’s MODS

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Just this month, The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale as one of eight recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage.

Over the past 29 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families and communities. This year’s grant awards total over a whopping $31 million for museums across the nation to improve services to their communities.

Through the agency’s largest competitive grant program, Museums for America, and its special initiatives, Museums Empowered and Inspire! Grants for Small Museums, a total of 218 projects were selected from 568 applications requesting $73,685,100. Institutions receiving awards are matching them with $46,546,077 in non-federal funds.

“It is a delight to announce the Museums for America grants for 2023 to an extraordinary group of Museums, Gardens, Zoos, and Aquariums. These funds will in turn put the riches of our cultural institutions in reach of so many of our communities,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper.

“The Museum welcomes individuals from all walks of life to visit, experience, connect, and discover inspiring science. MODS’ inclusivity and accessibility programs have a direct impact on the south Florida community, especially children.”

Crosby Kemper is the sixth director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. He was commissioned by the White House on January 24, 2020, following his confirmation by the United States Senate. IMLS, an independent government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s museums and libraries.

Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery & Science, or “MODS,” is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. The mission of MODS is Connecting People to Inspiring Science. Through our mission, MODS elevates the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in our lives, impacting more than 450,000 visitors annually.

The Museum embraces six enduring values: DISCOVERY through inquiry-based learning experiences; INCLUSIVITY in which equity and access are vital to success; COLLABORATION in pursuit of mission-based public and private partnerships; CREATIVITY where inspiration and innovation take flight; EDUCATION as an inspirational force for informal science; and VISITOR FOCUSED, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere with layers of learning. National recognition from IMLS is meaningful as it signifies the important role MODS has played not only in our region, but as a national leader in the museum field and a model for community engagement and social impact.

Selected from 30 national finalists, the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.

“To be singled out by IMLS from among the many thousands of museums in the United States is a tribute to our dedicated leadership, outstanding staff, devoted volunteers, generous supporters, and visionary founders who all give of themselves to fulfill our mission. We are grateful to IMLS and this honor will inspire us to do more,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS.

“MODS is committed to a mission of connecting people to inspiring science for children and adults of all ages and abilities. The Museum is a changemaker, a dynamic hub for STEM learning that builds connections of trust and belonging. Museums are more necessary than ever before as institutions of learning. Together, we foster understanding and change that leads to a more just and healthy future.”

The IMLS award was presented at a ceremony this summer in Washington, DC. The 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Medal Winners are:

Libraries:

  • Kuskokwim Consortium Library (Bethel, AK)
  • LA County Library (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Long Branch Free Public Library (Long Branch, NJ)
  • Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Toledo, OH)

Museums:

  • Center of Science and Industry (COSI) (Columbus, OH)
  • Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum (Buffalo, WY)
  • Museum of Discovery and Science (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
  • Riverside Art Museum (Riverside, CA)

Additional programs funded by IMLS are Museums for AmericaMuseums Empowered, and Inspire! Grants for Small Museums.

MODS, was also recently awarded funds via the Museums for America grant for $240,500. This grant supports projects that strengthen the ability of individual museums to benefit the public by providing high-quality, inclusive learning experiences, maximizing resources to address community needs through partnerships and collaborations, and by preserving and providing access to the collections entrusted to their care. 122 projects were funded through this year’s Museums for America program.

The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida will expand its STEMobile program, a mobile maker space program for early learners ages three to five and their caregivers and teachers. The program will serve 123 early learning centers in the 10 lowest-income zip codes in Broward County that are also the most affected by intergenerational poverty, economic immobility, and lowest educational attainment levels. The project will provide interactive STEM experiences for young children aligned with Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards; a Family Science Night that reinforces the caregiver’s role as their child’s first teacher; and professional development resources that empower teachers to feel more confident about teaching STEM. The project will help reduce disparities in education for vulnerable young learners and help them succeed.

To learn more about MODS, visit https://mods.org/

By Nikki Cabus

The City of Miami funds 5 tech nonprofits focused on youth initiatives

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The City of Miami recently announced that it’s awarding $250,000 to Miami-based nonprofits focused on science and technology programs for youth.

The nonprofits will each receive $50,000 in funding. The nonprofits chosen are Breakthrough Miami, DoGood41, NFTE, Dibia Dream and South Florida Tech Hub member, CodeArt.

The funding is in an effort to support nonprofits that focus on diversifying the tech industry such as Code/Art that aims to get more girls involved in technology through the introduction of coding using art programming.

“Venture Miami has identified several avenues to provide access to high-quality, high-paying jobs, upskilling and retraining, small business support and digital transformation with the focus on expanding diversity and inclusion within the tech industry,” Suarez told the Miami Herald in a recent article.

The City’s initiative, Venture Miami, led by Executive Director Erick Gavin has also raised $4 million dollars, including $500,000 from the City, to help fund scholarships for Miami students accepted into science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs at higher education institutions such as University of Miami, Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, and Miami Dade College.

“This funding from Venture Miami will allow us to provide more girls with the opportunity to learn about computer science and technology in a fun & supportive environment,” Code Art posted on social media.

Code/Art is on a mission to increase the number of girls in computer science by delighting and inspiring them with the creative possibilities of computer programming. They strive to put young women, particularly young women from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, on track for future tech careers by providing welcoming early coding programs that focus on art, creativity and social good.

Code/Art does this through programing such as their upcoming Code Art Fest which is an annual coding conference for girls,
educators & tech enthusiasts. The 2023 conference will be held at the Idea Center at Miami Dade College on Saturday, March 11th.

For more information, visit www.code-art.com/codeartfest/

 

By Nikki Cabus

Cox Science Center announces they are increasing their campaign goal after receiving multimillions in donations

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Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA) leadership announced they are nearly doubling their campaign goal to $85 million.

According to CSCA board and capital campaign chairman Lew Crampton, a recent $8 million gift from Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, coupled with a $10 million award from the State of Florida this summer, gave campaign leadership the confidence to nearly double their original goal announced last year.

In November 2021 Cox Science Center and Aquarium announced a $40 million capital campaign and $5 million endowment initiative and changed its name to reflect a transformational $20 million lead gift from Palm Beach residents Wendy and Howard Cox.

“Just 1 year ago we launched a hugely significant campaign for the Science Center,” said Lew Crampton, Board Member & former Director of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium, “and thanks to tremendous support, we are confident in expanding our original plans with a new goal of $85 million.

We’ve raised $60 million to date, which is 70% of our total goal, in the silent phase alone. Ken Griffin’s momentous commitment to prepare the next generation with STEM education – mastering data science, cloud computing, engineering and more – will make America competitive in a global market and is reflective of our board and other supporters’ vision for the Cox Science Center. We know Palm Beach County deserves a new, cutting-edge science center and our supporters agree.”

The expansion will include renovated spaces, a new three-story science pavilion visible from I-95, new outdoor exhibition spaces and one of Florida’s largest indoor aquariums.

Kate Arrizza, President and CEO for the Cox Science Center and Aquarium said, “Our strategic planning process has considered the projected growth of Palm Beach and surrounding counties – among the fastest in the nation.

Ken Griffin’s move of Citadel to South Florida and his investments in STEM Education is indicative of the influx of new residents in our market and the need for the community to have a state-of-the-art science center has increased exponentially. The expanded campaign goal will allow us to grow our attendance capabilities to serve nearly 1 million guests annually.”

Known for his catalytic giving across a range of areas including education and STEM initiatives, Griffin’s funding is earmarked for the expanded aquarium, with capacity of 200,000 gallons to take visitors through the Everglades, Florida’s inland rivers and Gulf Stream waters. With a focus on sharing the South Florida native’s love of the ocean, Griffin’s funding will also improve interactive educational experiences in Florida’s fifth largest aquarium setting. This will impact nearly 500,000 students annually, 70% of whom are Title 1.

“When students engage with the natural world, they develop an excitement about science that will drive progress for decades to come,” said Ken Griffin. “I hope the expanded aquarium will increase appreciation for our region’s dynamic ecosystem and the work required to preserve and protect it for future generations.”

New additions to the Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s expanded plans include:

  • An interactive extended reality experience, which will be an immersive space featuring 40-foot-tall projections on all four walls, displaying signature programs from rocket launches to deep sea exploration. Visitors will be able to directly interact with the projections using touch screens.
  • An expanded traveling exhibit designed to host more megahit exhibitions.
  • A Digital Arts Studio, which will expand to provide more skill set training such as software programming that aligns with high-demand jobs. An outreach program in partnership with Florida Atlantic University will digitize and nationally distribute the Center’s current video programs.
  • An indoor/outdoor exhibit area designed for early learners ages 6 and under.
  • Expanded programming in the Dekelboum Planetarium and Observatory.
  • An immersive learning lab that will serve as home base for FIRST LEGO League Teams and competitions.
  • An expanded biology lab that consolidates the Center’s preferred provider status to all medical magnet schools in Palm Beach County. Currently, the Center provides 30,000 frog/squid/shark/pig dissections annually, which could be doubled in the new space.
  • Expansion of the existing STEM Education Center that houses a state-of-the-art 3D printing program, coding instruction, and the Palm Beach Florida Chess Club.
  • The Center’s educational partnership with the Palm Beach County School District (the 10th largest district in the nation) will grow, doubling schools served to over 200, including 70 percent of Title I schools to serve English and Spanish speaking students.
  • GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) program and other distance learning programs will be expanded.

Naming and support opportunities are available for the expanded offerings. A groundbreaking is expected in late spring 2023 with a new targeted completion set for early 2026.

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach, FL and its current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed Mini-Golf Course and quarter mile-long outdoor science trail. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows and special event programming. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world.

As of 2022, Cox Science Center and Aquarium earned the highest Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency rating on GuideStar in tandem with its perfect Charity Navigator score. The Platinum Seal of Transparency indicates that the Center shares clear and important information with the public about its goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements and progress indicators that highlight how it’s advancing its mission.

To learn more about the Cox Science Center’s capital campaign, visit www.CoxScienceCenter.org/Support-us.

PBC STEM Ecosystem Meeting
Broward College iSTEM Center Opens its Doors to Faculty at Professional Development Day
Gary Vaynerchuck is coming to West Palm Beach as keynote for PBSC Foundation STEAM luncheon
Palm Beach State College receives $8M from Related Companies towards student scholarships
FPL’s Classroom Makeover Grant Program helps underserved classroom access STEM education across Florida
IMLS invests more than $31 Million in grants to museums across America including Ft. Lauderdale’s MODS
The City of Miami funds 5 tech nonprofits focused on youth initiatives
Cox Science Center announces they are increasing their campaign goal after receiving multimillions in donations