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
| 2002 | Concept envisioned by the Downtown State College Improvement District and a community group led by Marty Starling |
| 2007 | Discovery Space incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit |
| 2010 | Facility acquired at 112 West Foster Ave. in State College |
| 2011 | Soft opening (July), Grand Opening (October) |
| 2012 | Unveiled Essential Elements donor recognition display |
| 2013 |
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| 2014 |
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| 2015 |
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| 2016 |
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| 2017 |
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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).
Board of Directors
- Sandra Rankin, Chair
- Art Leach, Vice-Chair
- Robert G. Okonak, Treasurer
- Thomas Foley, Assistant Treasurer
- Renee Marks, Secretary
- Jeff Erickson
- Eva J. Pell, PhD
- Rich Kalin
- Jeane Singer
- Sue Werner
- Steve Heinz
- Todd Dolbin
- Peter Tombros
- Benson Lichtig
- Scott Wing