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Our Story

Mission

The mission of Discovery Space is to provide engaging experiences with science and technology that spark curiosity and creativity.

Explore. Learn. Discover.

Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania is an exciting growing science center of interactive exhibits and hands-on programs designed to provide valuable informal science education, especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), in a fun learning environment.

Our proximity to The Pennsylvania State University allows for many valuable collaborations in both program delivery and exhibit development with the students and staff of the Colleges of Arts and Architecture, Education, Engineering, and the Eberly College of Science.

With support from local government, community organizations, businesses, and individual contributors, Discovery Space has become THE place in central Pennsylvania for fun science experiences.

From Concept to Reality

2002Concept envisioned by the Downtown State College Improvement District and a community group led by Marty Starling
2007Discovery Space incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
2010Facility acquired at 112 West Foster Ave. in State College
2011Soft opening (July), Grand Opening (October)
2012Unveiled Essential Elements donor recognition display
2013

  • Provided eight full weeks of summer camp

  • First traveling exhibit (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry)
2014

  • Held our first Night to Discover fundraiser

  • Welcomed our first two corporate members.
2015

  • Provided afterschool programs to four school districts

  • Welcomed our 500th member family
2016

  • Provided thirteen sessions of summer camp

  • Welcomed our 700th member family
2017

  • Moved to a new, larger location (September)

  • Grand Opening (October)

Founders Society

We are grateful to the members of our Founders Society – those who generously contributed to Discovery Space during the critical phases of building renovation and exhibit development (prior to December 31, 2011).

Leadership

Board of Directors

Sue Werner, Chair

Steve Heinz, Vice Chair

Sandra Rankin, Treasurer

Joe Doncsecz, Assistant Treasurer

Jeane Singer, Secretary

Jenn Bauer

Blaine Clapper

Todd Dolbin

Benson Lichtig

Katie Marshall

Donna Queeney

Scott Wing

Amy Wilson

Executive Director
Michele Crowl, PhD

Chief of Staff
Madison Flaherty

Director of Development
Marianne Hazel

Director of Strategic Initiatives
Maria Barton

Visitor Experience Manager
Gina (Gavazzi) Walk

Education Manager
Addison Leedy

The Rivet Manager
Evan Rosengrant

Why We Serve

Our board is full of passionate advocates for STEM learning, creative exploration, and community connection. As you get to know the people behind Discovery Space and The Rivet, we invite you to read their own words about what fuels their commitment.

“I was fortunate to have access to science in a fun and creative environment as a kid, and I want to create a space for that for my twins.  When they came to Discovery Space for the first time, they loved it and were so excited about exploring every little thing!”

— Jenn Bauer

“ Whether it’s children learning about science or teens and adults developing skills, both Discovery Space and The Rivet provide huge value to our community.”

— Jeff Erickson

 

“ I think that this place is special, especially to be able to see kids light up when they see the Science Center!”

— Thomas Foley

“When our family first moved back to town, our kids fell in love with the activities at the Discovery Space. You never really outgrow the science center….It’s a great space for both kids and adults. I loved using The Rivet for working on our house projects, and my wife immediately began to make connections with the local maker/artist community. This is such an integral part of our community and really helped make the move to State College extremely welcoming.”

— Todd Dolbin

“I’m an enthusiastic Discovery Space supporter because it’s the most effective way I know to introduce and encourage STEM education to the next generation of technologists!”

— Steve Heinz

 

“ There’s nothing else like Discovery Space, and we need it.”

— Benson Lichtig

 

“Discovery Space is an asset and a need in our community. We didn’t have anything like this when I was growing up here!”

— Rich Kalin

 

 

 

“I’m passionate about Discovery Space because we need a resource like this in our community, especially to provide opportunities to disadvantaged youth”

— Sandra Rankin

“I was first introduced to Discovery Space when a friend had a party for the children of a group of State High graduates as a reunion one Thanksgiving break. I was smitten as I observed the delight on their faces as they were interacting with science. When you fall in love with Discovery Space, it grabs you! I want as many of our children as possible to have that opportunity to learn as they have fun with science!”

— Renee Marks

 

“There are so many children who may never have an opportunity to travel to cities with major museums, so to have something like this in our community is really important!!

— Eva Pell

 

“I can see people of all ages learn at The Rivet. ”

— Scott Wing

 

“Seeing someone’s eyes light up at an exhibit is a wonderful sight to see!”

— Rob Okonak

“ I got involved with Discovery Space before it first opened. I’ve been passionate and involved ever since! ”

— Sue Werner

 

“ I not only love Discovery Space, but The Rivet has grasped me for what it can do for our community!”

— Jeane Singer

 

 

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