Strategic Plan 2020-2025

Board of Trustees*

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE Strategic Plan: Pathways to the Future

Strategic Plan 2020-2025

Inspiring the Future

In 1977 the community came together to create The Discovery Center – an interactive learning center that instilled a passion for science and discovery in a generation of children and their families. The Discovery Center was transformed into the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in 1992, and since then we have created innovative exhibits, inspirational educational programs, and unique Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) experiences that continue to stimulate and excite our visitors.

In 2017, the Museum celebrated the completion of a $25 million capital campaign. This campaign was the result of the institution’s previous Strategic Plan, “Growth & Renewal,” that launched in 2003. The Plan produced many accomplishments including the Environmental Discovery Center expansion (2011) and the opening of the Science Park (2018). After 40 years of growth, MODS has arrived at a moment in which we need to look toward the future, examine our place in the community, and confirm our greater impact in Fort Lauderdale, south Florida, and the national community.

To make significant advances in how we approach the wonder of discovery and engage our various communities in the joy of science, the Museum must think strategically about our programmatic initiatives, refining our business operations, and how we serve our community.

Science is important— the act of “wondering, investigating, questioning, data collecting, and analyzing” helps us to make meaning of the world around us. People of all ages need to have positive experiences with science and develop critical thinking skills for them to fully participate in creating a better world for tomorrow. Science museums that promote hands-on discovery and free-choice learning are proven environments for engaging people with the joy of science.

The Museum’s staff and Board leadership spent 18 months developing the 2020 – 2025 Strategic Plan with extensive input from our community partners. The new mission and vision of the Museum must reflect the changing landscape not just of downtown Fort Lauderdale and south Florida but indeed the world around us. After considerable community-based research and discussions among the trustees and staff, we are pleased to present our strategic vision and goals for the next five years.

MODS Strategic Plan was adopted by the MODS Board of Trustees on October 23, 2019.

Our Mission

Connecting People to Inspiring Science Our mission recognizes the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) as a place that brings our community together, creates engaging science experiences and highlights innovation.

Our Strategic Vision

The Museum of Discovery and Science will engage with people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, cultures and family structures to develop a society that celebrates science and discovery and their impact on our lives now and into the future.

To achieve this, we will strengthen our core base of operations, expand our audience and sustain ongoing financial stability. We want to ensure that we continue building on our current level of success, remain relevant and responsive to our community and pave the way for the future of MODS. We have been here for 40 years, and through the next five years we will develop and galvanize our operations to best serve our community into the future.

Our Values

Discovery At the Museum of Discovery and Science, “Discovery” means learning science through a handson, inquiry-based and interactive process. We will provide innovative informal science experiences that inspire a passion for science and discovery and encourage lifelong learning. We introduce our visitors to innovations in science through exhibits, programs and films and ignite a passion to pursue STEM careers. We provide new, rewarding experiences that encourage visitors to contribute to our local workforce pipeline.

Inclusivity MODS welcomes all individuals to visit, experience, connect and discover inspiring science. We support all family structures, creating a culture of hospitality where diversity is celebrated. Our doors are open to everyone: individuals and families with physical and emotional disabilities and disparities in education, social and economic status. We embrace our truly diverse community of various ethnicities, religions, gender identification and sexual orientations. All are welcome here.

Collaboration The Museum believes that the strength of an institution is greatly enhanced by its ability to develop thoughtful partnerships with other organizations that align with our mission, vision and values. The Museum engages and learns from our visitors, local communities, educators, families, children and the broader scientific community. MODS embraces public and private partnerships ranging from our local, state and federal agencies to educational and cultural institutions, as well as social services agencies.

Creativity MODS is a place where creativity is celebrated and where boundaries are pushed. It is a place where inspiration takes flight. We encourage and grow the human desire to explore, to question and to learn. Our experiences and environments allow us to connect with our visitors and our field in innovative ways. We embrace change and thrive in the opportunity to grow.

Educational Excellence The Museum believes in providing high quality programs, exhibits and films. This allows us to become a force for science education and as such, those offerings are inspirational, innovative and imaginative. We strive to create a culture of visitor-centered excellence each and every day.

Visitor Focused MODS fosters a warm, inviting and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and staff where visitor amenities and customer service are prioritized. We strive to create a culture of visitor-centered excellence each and every day.

Community Research & Findings The development of the Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 Pathways to the Future began with our Board of Trustees approving the commencement of the planning process at the October 2018 Board meeting. Guided by the Strategic Planning Committee, this year-long effort studied the success of past plans and embraced the present and future needs of our community.

The process involved online surveys (with more than 1,200 participants) and a series of listening sessions/focus groups that involved more than 120 participants. Additionally interviews were held with key community stakeholders.

While the majority of our visitors expressed they felt the Museum was engaging, educational and relevant and our programs are integral to the local educational ecosystem, we also recognize the community’s desire for us to constantly evolve and stay current. Regularly updated exhibits are important, both traveling exhibits and new permanent exhibits were identified as reasons for a return visit. There was a particular emphasis on the need to enrich the guest experience for our younger audiences both indoors and outside.

Our exhibits featuring our animal collection continue to be popular with our guests with opportunities to strengthen the programs related to those exhibits, both for regular visitors and school groups.

Participants felt amenities provided at the Museum were adequate but voiced concerns that the Museum must continue to strive toward offering the very best amenities to stay competitive with other attractions in our area.

As we plan ahead, we heard that the most critical subjects for the Museum to address over the next five years are technological innovation, healthy choices for the whole body, early childhood education and climate change and resiliency. Our visitors are as concerned about sustainability, both at the Museum and in our community, as they are about healthy living.

It is clear from our surveys that accessibility is important to our guests, and particularly to our members. We must work to successfully convey our wide range of accessibility programs to the community.

MODS Education and Learning Pillars

Early Childhood

Connecting to the Museum’s legacy as The Discovery Center, early childhood education is a core focus area of our work. Early childhood experiences provide a pathway to MODS, to school and to life-long STEM learning for visitors from birth through age six, their caregivers and other family members. MODS activates south Florida’s key industries and unique ecosystems to expose our youngest scientists to the world around us, ultimately priming south Florida’s workforce pipeline.

Environmental Sustainability

The Museum is formalizing our vision for environmental sustainability, with a focus on cultivating climate citizenship and providing a platform for exploring the opportunities for solutions. The Hub for Resilience Education at MODS, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Broward, will come to life on the exhibit floor to address environmental issues relevant to our community and cultivate and showcase solutions that mitigate the impact of climate change by championing engagement, education and action for environmental sustainability and resiliency in Broward.

Health & Wellness

Quality of life can be improved by making positive healthy living choices and caring for the body and mind. Health & Wellness experiences at MODS provide a hands-on understanding of human anatomy and physiology, promoting the health of the body, care of the mind and commitment to healthy living. Understanding how our bodies work is the key to understanding and caring for our health. The Museum is a resource for learning about the human body and life sciences so that our visitors are able to live a healthy lifestyle.

Physical Science

From seeing the inner machinations of the Great Gravity Clock and hands-on Makerspace activities to “don’t try this at home” demonstrations and shows, MODS makes learning accessible and drives the “why” and the “how.” Inspiration takes flight at the Museum, demonstrating the physical principles of how things work. MODS is the platform for nurturing imagination and encouraging the innovative, curious spirit. The Museum helps learners become problem-solvers here in south Florida who can be introduced to physical science careers throughout the duration of their PreK-12 learning experience.

Strategic Plan Overview

MODS makes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) exciting, engaging and increasingly accessible. The Museum creates high-quality educational experiences to increase STEM literacy and learning impact across all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Through solid community partnerships, a dedicated Board of Trustees and leadership team as well as a strong financial position, the Museum invests in innovation and collaboration to strengthen our community.

GOAL ONE: Engage our Community and Expand Our Impact

Objective #1: Provide substantive, memorable and accessible exhibits and experiences that connect people to inspiring science. • Implement exhibit and facility master plan, including develop and installing a new environmental resilience exhibit and a reimagined and expanded new early childhood exhibit hall

• Grow local and national partnerships that supports free and reduced admission low-income families, and social service agencies and special segments

• Develop a model that supports growth in IMAX attendance

• Diversify offerings to enhance the onsite field trip experience

• Celebrate and promote diversity and inclusivity as part of the Museum experience

• Explore new opportunities to increase visibility of the Museum locally, statewide and nationally to expand visitorship

• Participate in local and national partner programs that bring relevance and value to the Museum experience

• Conduct, review and modify exhibits and experiences based on guest feedback and satisfaction surveys

• Implement new signature programs

GOAL TWO: Be a Force for Science Education

Objective #1: Be the center of informal science learning locally in Broward County and industry-wide. • Address critical educational issues that impact our communities

• Scale MODS’ award-winning initiatives through partnerships with the museum field

• Serve as a resource to create educational content and curriculum for distribution on a regional and national level.

• Offer an extensive catalog of IMAX documentary films that explore the world around us

• Integrate the making philosophy that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving

• Address early childhood development through programs and exhibits that create lifelong learners

• Strengthen STEM education with programs that support state standards for students and educators

• Create a pathway that links STEM learning experiences to major regional industries

Objective #2: Raise awareness around the importance of science, inspiring deeper engagement in sustainability (climate change and resilience.) • Establish a leadership role as the Hub for Resilience Education

• Work with partners to move solutions to the center of Broward’s community conversations

• Introduce the latest scientific concepts and innovations related to local issues of extreme weather and climate change informed by the research of universities and the work of sustainable industry

• Engage the public in a social and creative atmosphere that inspires dialogue and innovative thinking that addresses the challenge of climate change in south Florida and results in the coproduction of knowledge

• Supports south Florida’s resilience industry by stimulating lifelong learning, cultivating workforce development, feeding entrepreneurship and engaging teachers and parents in experiences that support children’s environmental literacy and generate economic vitality

• Educate the public on the plight of threatened and endangered species and the impact of climate change

• Work with government, universities, foundations and industry to serve as Broward’s dynamic hub for dialogue regarding coastal resilience and solutions to the impact of climate change

Objective #3: Collaborate with organizations that bring STEM opportunities to the community. • Offer innovative STEM paid internship experiences that address critical workforce development skills that impact future college and career paths

• Develop flexible and innovative STEM opportunities to reach marginalized communities

• Participate in national collaborations that support STEM and learning through play initiatives in early childhood education

Objective #4: Increase visibility and value as a resource through accreditation and through dissemination to the field and our community. • Maintain accreditation for excellence through the American Alliance of Museums

• Maintain affiliations with national associations, such as the Association of Children’s Museums

• Receive recognition for excellence through national and international awards

• Continue to implement an extensive Open Doors Initiative that provides free or discounted Museum accessibility

Objective #5: Be a regional voice for cultural and STEM advocacy. • Foster a culture of inclusivity

• Host cultural celebrations that reflect our community

• Expand accessibility for underrepresented groups through free or reduced admission and special programs

• Pursue certification by the University of Miami/Nova Southeastern

University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

• Advocate to representatives at the local, regional and national level for the importance of STEM in education

GOAL THREE: Increase and diversify our sources of financial support, strengthening our institution and its economic impact.

Objective #1: Sustainably grow and diversify earned revenue. • Offer a wide range of revenue-generating public programs

• Grow and diversify a portfolio of earned income

• Pursue innovative cross-promotional opportunities

Objective #2: Sustainably grow and diversify contributed income. • Increase contributions from corporate and foundation philanthropic donors

• Strategically pursue funding partners to increase service to marginalized communities

• ncrease support from federal, state and local government sources

• Implement a capital campaign to develop and construct a new early childhood exhibit hall and new environmental resilience exhibit

Objective #3: Build the endowment through planned giving and other programs. • Raise $1 million through our capital campaign to replenish reserves and provide funds for future exhibit needs

• Enhance the planned giving program

GOAL FOUR: Develop an infrastructure that enables institutional responsiveness and agility.

Objective #1: Attract, invest in and retain excellent staff, board and volunteers. • Ensure that the diversity of the Board and staff to reflect the community

• Pursue representatives from leading industries, foundations, universities and government to serve as Museum Trustees, with a commitment of time, talent and annual financial contribution to the

Museum

• Develop new positions and recruit experienced staff and volunteers to achieve the Museum’s strategic goals and objectives

• Offer a strong and competitive benefits package to attract and retain excellent staff

Objective #2: Design, implement and continually improve business processes and systems. • Contract with area businesses that best augment the day-to-day needs of the Museum

• Maintain a 4-star exceptional rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal for transparency in reporting financial results from Guidestar

• Invest in technology and tools that support the Museum’s business operations

• Leverage digital platforms to reduce marketing costs and increase the impact

Objective #3: Develop long-term asset replacement and acquisition plans. • Implement a facility master plan

• Execute upgrades to the IMAX Theater

• Complete infrastructure improvements to Museum entry experience

Board of Trustees*

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE A Glance into MODS’ Future