AdventHealth for Children Gifts $1 Million to Orlando Science Center
AdventHealth University is living its mission to develop professionals who practice health care as a ministry – by starting a little younger.
As part of AdventHealth for Children’s expanded relationship with and $1 million gift to the Orlando Science Center, AdventHealth University is providing faculty to serve as guest speakers and students to work as summer camp volunteers. The university is also exploring the possibility of hosting field trips from the nearby Science Center, holding summer camps, and creating a Medical Career Science Night on campus.
This relationship was celebrated at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to announce the STEM Discovery Center Presented by AdventHealth for Children, which featured leaders from all three organizations as well as Science Center summer campers.
“At AdventHealth University, we believe that the future of health care often begins not in hospitals or doctor’s offices, but in the hearts and minds of young dreamers. This center is more than just a space filled with exhibits and experiments — it’s a launchpad for imagination. A place children might first envision themselves as a nurse, a sonographer, a physician, or a lab scientist,” said Karen Benn Marshall, EdD, Provost and Chief Academic Officer for AdventHealth University.
This gift is part of a 10-year partnership to advance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and career aspirations for youth and will allow the Science Center to provide STEM learning for patients at AdventHealth for Children as well as in underserved neighborhoods in Central Florida.
"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.”
The STEM Discovery Center, located on the second level of the Science Center, is the hub for science competitions and summer camps. In addition, this gift benefits 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.
