Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Legal Name (if Different): The Baltimore Children’s Museum, Inc.
Also Known As: Port Discovery
Mailing Address: 35 Market Place
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Postal Code: 21207
Main Phone: 410-727-8120
Main Fax: 410-864-2737
Organization Website: https://www.portdiscovery.org/
Employer ID Number: 52-1806933
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/27/24
Requested Amount: $6,000

Project Title: Ticket to Discovery
Project Description:

Ticket to Discovery began in 2022 as a low-barrier way to get children excited and curious about reading, and bridge the literacy learning gaps experienced in our community following the coronavirus pandemic. In partnership with Baltimore City’s Enoch Pratt Public Library System, every spring, any elementary-age child (through 5th grade) who has an Enoch Pratt Free Library card may pick up a Ticket to Discovery bookmark at their local branch to track their reading progress. Over the summer, participating children must read five books to complete their bookmark in order to receive up to two complimentary tickets to Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Participating students receive a recommended program reading list, which was compiled and selected in collaboration between Port Discovery educators and Enoch Pratt librarians, organized by age group and developmental appropriateness, and feature themes including cultural diversity, equity, and positive social-emotional health.

Although some facets of everyday life have returned to normal, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are still being felt in our classrooms. In the 2022-23 school year, only 42% of Maryland kindergartners began the year fully prepared to succeed in school, while 33% of students needed personalized instruction and 26% needed targeted support and interventions (1). Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of low-income rising kindergarteners – 37% in 2022-23 vs. 27% in 2021-22 – which has historically proven to be a significant inhibitor to kindergarten readiness. There is a pressing need for community support; Port Discovery, in partnership with the Baltimore City Public Library, wants to be part of the solution that promotes literacy and combats learning loss through this unique program that incentivizes summer reading.

(1) MD State Department of Education. “2022-2023 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Report”. https://marylandpublicschools.org/Documents/reports/MSDE_ReadyAtFive_ReadinessMatters2023.pdf

Total Project Budget: $64,775

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): General admissions revenue, $20,000 (committed); Membership revenue, $6,000 (committed); Baltimore Gas & Electric, $10,000 (committed); Allegis Group Foundation, $10,000 (pending/potential); Helen Pumphrey Denit Foundation, $10,000 (pending/potential); Mechanic Morris Foundation, $2,500 (pending/potential)

Project Duration: February 1 to August 31, 2025
Geographical Area Served: Baltimore, MD metro area
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K to 5th grade students

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Catherine
Contact Last Name: Allen
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 410-864-2679
Contact Email: callen@portdiscovery.org