The Northwestern Mutual Foundation recently announced a three-year commitment to Discovery World totaling $600,000.
The funds will go toward strengthening Milwaukee as a tech hub, deepening community enhancement for residents and families in Northwestern Mutual’s neighborhoods program, and providing groups underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with access to Discovery World and its educational programs.
“Discovery World inspires and educates the Milwaukee community, providing opportunities many young people might not otherwise have access to,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Our grant will have a great impact on both improving this educational destination while also helping to shape Milwaukee’s next generation of innovators.”
Discovery World currently serves approximately 300,000 visitors per year at its lakefront location, and up to another 100,000 through community outreach events. Northwestern Mutual’s investment in the organization’s facility expansion, its programs and infrastructure will enable Discovery World to better serve the entire community with new technology exhibits, demonstrations and informational programs.
High focus programs during the school year and week-long summer camps will allow the organization to increase access for groups underrepresented in STEM, particularly young women and young people of color. Investments in the facility will enable the organization to serve 75,000 to 100,000 more community residents each year, including those living in the Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods. Residents in these neighborhoods will also be welcomed to participate in a Girls & STEM Day, Robotics Week and other special events in the coming months.
“Through our programming, curriculum and exhibits, we’re generating excitement in the minds of young people about future STEM careers,” said Joel Brennan, president and CEO, Discovery World. “We’re grateful for community partners like Northwestern Mutual that support us in continuing these initiatives.”
The donation is part of Northwestern Mutual’s longstanding commitment to enhance the Milwaukee community. The Northwestern Mutual Foundation also works with nonprofit partners to improve education, revitalize local neighborhoods and accelerate the search for childhood cancer cures.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier science and technology center that’s fun for the whole family. The 120,000-square foot facility is home to interactive exhibits, fresh and saltwater tanks in the Reiman Aquarium, the S/V Denis Sullivan, and a multitude of educational programs.
