New partnership with AdventHealth for Children, Orlando Science Center will bring STEM to more kids

AdventHealth for Children and the Orlando Science Center are embarking on a new 10-year partnership to transform STEM education and inspire the innovators, problem-solvers and health care leaders of tomorrow. Together, they’ll deliver cutting-edge exhibits, immersive learning experiences and impactful community programs that put world-class STEM opportunities within reach for more of Central Floridia's youth.

From the Science Center’s STEM Discovery Center to the children's hospital, classrooms and underserved neighborhoods, this collaboration will break down barriers to science education. AdventHealth for Children’s medical experts will join forces with the Science Center’s educators to create hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity, encourage exploration and open doors to future careers in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine.

“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.”

As the new presenting sponsor of the STEM Discovery Center – the Science Center’s hub for all STEM education initiatives – AdventHealth for Children will help expand programs like science competitions, summer camps and community outreach, giving every child, regardless of background, the tools to one day pursue careers in STEM.

The partnership will also supercharge offsite programming, sending STEM education on the road with a fleet of mobile labs to schools, community centers, YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs. In the past year alone, more than 380 STEM programs have reached communities in over 30 Florida counties.

AdventHealth University faculty and students will also play an active role as guest speakers, mentors and camp volunteers, with new opportunities on the horizon like field trips, specialized summer camps and a Medical Career Science Night on the university’s Orlando campus.

"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.”