[quote]Science centers and museums serve as portals to science, technology, history, culture and other disciplines that awaken a thirst for learning and create a common language around the globe.” — COSI President and CEO David Chesebrough[/quote]
St. Louis, MO, USA (October 7, 2014) — The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and PGAV Destinations are proud to announce a brand-new partnership, COSI+PGAV Global, to strategically advance the development of informal science education in developing countries around the world.
“To meet the demands of our 21st century, all communities need to be scientifically literate – able to understand their world and compete in a global society driven by technology and rapidly changing scientific discoveries,” said COSI president and CEO David Chesebrough. “Today more than ever, science education is one of the keys that unlock the doors of opportunity and understanding so that people can make healthy and sustainable personal and societal choices.”
This new joint venture aims to provide full-service consulting for emerging science centers including architecture, exhibit design, operations, revenue generation, management consulting, marketing, fundraising, and education programs. The partnership establishes an unprecedented union of industry leadership, joining two of the world’s greatest science centers and destination design firms.
“We began discussing this possibility with COSI earlier in 2014, and through that dialogue began a realization of our complementary skills and strengths that could make an incredible impact on the global need for better science education,” said PGAV Destinations principal and chair Mike Konzen. “We find that there are many locations around the world seeking professional guidance to develop science centers from the ground up to grow a STEM-literate population, but they’re restricted by either a lack of experience or resources. The combined resources of COSI and PGAV Destinations will strengthen the ability of communities and countries to create science centers that will inspire their citizens.”
PGAV and COSI foresee an unprecedented growth of informal science education in the next twenty years through newly envisioned science centers across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Leaders will be seeking expertise and guidance to create informal learning experiences that reflect their cultures and stories coupled with dynamic exhibits, impactful programs, and sound business operations. COSI+PGAV Global will be working with regional governments, universities, tourism boards, and philanthropists over the course of the following year to identify key opportunities for development and begin to craft strategic master plans to create world-class, science-education destinations.
Representatives from both COSI and PGAV Destinations will attend this month’s national Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) annual conference, and anticipate sharing further details about this exciting new partnership with the industry.
