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COSI: Leading the Way in STEAM Education

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), located in Columbus, Ohio, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by being voted the #1 "Best Science Museum" by USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This accolade is a testament to COSI's continuous commitment to enhancing science education through innovative programs and transformative experiences that engage learners of all ages.

A New Era in Science Education

Founded over six decades ago, COSI has evolved from a traditional museum into a dynamic center that provides immersive, hands-on experiences. COSI's President and CEO, Dr. Frederic Bertley, expressed pride in this recognition, highlighting the organization's mission to foster curiosity and promote science literacy, particularly among young minds. As the first museum in the country to receive this prestigious title five times, COSI's proactive approach is reflected in its extensive range of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs.

In addition to being recognized as the leading science museum, COSI also achieved the impressive ranking of #3 for the "Best Planetarium," underscoring its dedication to enhancing the educational experience of its visitors.

A Commitment to Accessibility

COSI’s outreach extends beyond its physical location through strategic alliances with various organizations, including State Departments, U.S. Embassies, and NASA. These partnerships allow COSI to deliver science learning experiences to underserved communities both domestically and globally. The innovative STEAM Education Ecosystem at COSI reaches aspiring scientists in numerous ways, making science accessible and engaging for everyone.

COSI’s Learning Lunchbox initiative has particularly made waves by distributing nearly 400,000 educational boxes to children in K-8 schools across 40 states and seven countries. Each box offers a wealth of resources paired with Digital STEAM Portals, ensuring that underserved youth receive exceptional educational opportunities.

Celebrating Diversity in STEAM

COSI is dedicated to breaking down barriers in science education and empowering individuals from all backgrounds. With its Color of Science initiative, the museum features a diverse group of STEAM professionals who serve as role models. This program not only highlights career opportunities within STEAM fields but also inspires individuals to pursue paths previously thought inaccessible.

Awards and Recognitions

COSI’s deliberate efforts in promoting science literacy have not gone unnoticed. The organization has garnered nine Emmy® Awards for its educational content, which includes popular series such as "Dr. B in 3" and "QED with Dr. B." These engaging programs are designed to simplify complex scientific concepts, making learning fun and effective.

Global Reach and Future Expansions

Continuing its mission to advance science knowledge worldwide, COSI connects with global communities through initiatives like the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPiC). This program promotes entrepreneurship and intellectual property exploration among students. Notably, COSI will expand its EiPiC initiative into Italy this coming March, showcasing its global influence in STEAM education.

Ultimately, COSI remains steadfast in its goal to cultivate a culture that values STEAM literacy among young learners, emphasizing that curiosity knows no barriers—it is universal, unrestricted by race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. As COSI continues to innovate and inspire, it paves the way for future generations of scientists and innovators.

For more information about COSI and its offerings, visit www.cosi.org.