Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Museum of Discovery and Science
Legal Name (if Different): Museum of Discovery and Science, Inc.
Also Known As: MODS
Mailing Address: 401 SW 2nd Street
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33312
Main Phone: 954-467-6637
Main Fax: 954-467-0046
Organization Website: www.mods.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1709542
Organization Tax Status: 501 c 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/23
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: MODS STEMobile
Project Description:

The STEMobile is an immersive mobile makerspace – a museum on wheels – launched during the pandemic in response to the COVID educational slide. The STEMobile delivers innovative educational experiences to 40,000+ children ages 3 and up annually. 75% of programs are delivered free through donor support to underserved children from low-income communities across Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties attending non-profit youth agencies, Title I schools and early learning centers. The STEMobile features seven science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) themes, from constructing interactive robots in the Robot Petting Zoo and testing the aerodynamics of gliders in To Fly, to creating art using 3D printers and sewing machines, turning STEM into STEAM. The STEMobile transforms youth from passive receivers of knowledge to real-world makers and supports the development of social, emotional, cognitive and communication skills.

Through MODS’ partnership in Broward College UP (Unlimited Potential), STEMobile free programs are delivered with a focus on the six lowest income zip codes in Broward most affected by intergenerational poverty, economic immobility and the lowest educational attainment levels.

In Summer 2022, in response to community demand and the need to strengthen kindergarten readiness, MODS launched its second STEMobile with a team of early childhood educators, followed by a third all-electric STEMobile devoted to programs in environmental sustainability. Collectively, the STEMobile fleet is projected to impact 50,000+ children annually by 2024 and increase free programming to 80% of all children served.

All STEMobile vehicles including modifications, were donated by Weston Nissan & Weston Volvo. Free programming is supported by donors including the Early Learning Coalition of Broward, Florida Blue, PNC Foundation, Thales, FPL and an NBCUniversal Project Innovation Grant. We seek the support of the Hermanowski Family Foundation in 2024 to provide and expand free educational experiences to children in need.

Total Project Budget: $219,525

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Early Learning Coalition of Broward County ($20,000 Committed); Florida Blue Foundation ($15,000 Committed); Thales ($10,000 Committed); FPL ($25,000 Committed); PNC Foundation ($20,000 per year/5 years Committed); Income from Program Fees ($30,000 Based on Prior 12 Months); Rosemary Duffy Larson Trust ($25,000 Pending); Friezo Foundation ($20,000 Pending); MONAT Gratitude ($20,000 Pending)

Project Duration: Year-round – Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade
Age Group To Be Served: 3-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Hilary
Contact Last Name: Winiger
Contact Title: Director of Grants
Contact Phone: 954-713-0914
Contact Email: hilary.winiger@mods.org