#USA #Columbus #COSI #STEAM education #Emmy Awards

COSI Nominated for Best Science Museum

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, has once again found itself in the spotlight, having received a nomination for the prestigious title of Best Science Museum by USA TODAY. This nomination marks the sixth consecutive year that COSI has earned this recognition, underscoring its consistent dedication to exceptional science education and community engagement.

With public voting open until February 10, 2025, COSI supporters and advocates are encouraged to cast their votes online at cosi.org/vote. President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley expressed immense pride in this nomination, further emphasizing the pivotal role that COSI plays in transforming lives through science education.

In 2024, COSI's achievements extended beyond the nomination as it celebrated notable successes, including its innovative STEAM Education Ecosystem, which effectively inspires learners across various demographics. This initiative not only fosters a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) but also supports the development of a robust STEAM workforce pipeline.

Highlighting its impactful contributions, COSI's animated series, Dr. B in 3, emerged as a frontrunner in science education, clinching three Emmy Awards for its engaging teaching methods that distill complex scientific concepts into under five-minute lessons. Additionally, COSI's Learning Lunchbox program, which aims to enhance STEAM education and awareness in K-8 schools, received accolades from the Anthem Awards and Shorty Impact Awards, further showcasing its positive influence.

Pioneering Initiatives Driving STEAM Learning

COSI's commitment to transforming STEAM education is evident in its various initiatives that reach underserved communities across the United States. Programs like the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPiC) delve into intellectual property and entrepreneurship, resonating with students eager to explore their creative potentials.

One of COSI's flagship efforts, the COSI Learning Lunchbox, has made significant strides in distributing nearly 400,000 educational kits to youth in over 40 states and seven countries. Each Learning Lunchbox, coupled with Digital STEAM Portals showcasing Dr. B in 3 content, provides children with an enriching learning experience that extends beyond traditional classrooms.

COSI's outreach extends beyond national borders, collaborating with the U.S. State Department to reach diverse demographics, including students in India, Egypt, the Arctic, and the Caribbean. Recent initiatives included partnerships with McGill University, resulting in the distribution of 400 Learning Lunchboxes to Barbadian students, and working with Indigenous Kalinago communities in Dominica to provide 300 kits to local children.

The EiPiC initiative will continue to expand internationally, with programs set to launch in Egypt, India, and Italy by 2025.

Honoring Innovative Leadership

Dr. Frederic Bertley’s innovative leadership has not gone unnoticed, as he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from McGill University in 2024, recognizing the significant impact of COSI’s programs on the community. Bertley emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals from all backgrounds, stating, "The future of STEAM depends on empowering every individual, regardless of background, to see themselves as part of the solution."

COSI continues to be a catalyst for change, opening doors of opportunity for the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and leaders in the domain of STEAM. As a cornerstone of educational resources for families and communities, COSI not only promotes scientific literacy but also inspires curiosity and exploration that extends to millions each year.

For more insights into COSI’s extensive programs and upcoming events, visit www.cosi.org.