The Powerhouse Science Center was selected to receive the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
NPI is a statewide grant program for small, community-based nonprofit organizations that provide services to communities that have historically been underrepresented, underserved or under-resourced to assist in post-pandemic recovery.
The funding will be allocated toward organizational objectives that will include hiring a museum planning consultant for a nine- to16-month partnership, which would develop a comprehensive exhibit plan.
Funding will also go toward professional development of Powerhouse staff members, as well as an electric truck to help implement outreach programs.
“We are ecstatic to be receiving this funding from DOLA,'' said Sydnie Golden, director of community engagement. ”This grant will allow us to continue growing our gallery, staff knowledge and capacity to serve kids. We look forward to expanding the impact we have in supporting STEAM education in Southwest Colorado, and continuing to help build a community of curious, capable, and science-literate problem-solvers.”
Hiring a museum planning consultant is part of a long-term plan to bring more permanent exhibits to the science center. Historically, Powerhouse has had a revolving door of traveling exhibits.
With the help of a planning consultant, the Powerhouse will be able to own these exhibits.
“Having these exhibits that we own, we can rotate them on and off the floor,” Golden said. “This way, it's still fresh and people can still come in and see something new.”
Some of the exhibits Powerhouse staff members are interested in include updating the museum’s climbing structure and adding a water table.
A water table is an interactive exhibit that children can play with at the museum. Additionally, the funding will go toward transportation for educators who work with the powerhouse.
The science center will use part of the funding to purchase a Ford F-150 Lightning. That way, when teachers visit places like Mancos, Ignacio or Cortez, they don’t have to use their own vehicle.
The truck will also allow teachers to carry materials for interactive lesson plans.
“Within the Children’s Museum, we have a pretty thriving educational component, where we have three full-time educators who are teaching classes on campus and in the community,” Golden said.
Full-time staff members will also be given the opportunity to attend a national children’s museum conference to inspire future organizational programming through networking and professional knowledge sharing.
Golden said the Powerhouse Science Center is continuing to grow its outreach programs and the museum.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
