Our visitors, members, supporters deserve the very best, which is why we continue to challenge ourselves to dream bolder, reach farther, and build bigger. This year we created Life, our largest and most ambitious exhibit to date, following 10 years of planning and two years of construction.
Life offers an immersive experience that tells the story of the natural world, featuring wildlife encounters across several ecosystems. It is an ideal forum to initiate discussions on relevant topics like invasive species, climate change, and overfishing.
Throughout the Science Center, our team has worked very hard to create an environment that inspires imagination and stimulates learning. Whether through a new exhibit, live show, workshop, special event or other initiatives, we excite our visitors with big ideas and innovative experiences.
Spark STEM Fest connects thousands each year with engaging displays, awesome shows, and one-of-a-kind presentations that promote how
STEM changes the world. This multi-day event brings science to life with performers like Science Bob or WeFlip that educate while they entertain.
Our mission takes wonder and discovery beyond our walls with outreach programs like Ignite Discovery and Neighborhood Science. They bring hands-on STEM learning and in person instruction directly to children in underserved areas throughout our community.
In addition, we are sharing information and resources on our website and through public engagement with Science Matters – a science literacy campaign that fosters critical thinking. These abilities are critical to addressing the tough questions facing us in this ever-complicated world.
These efforts enable Orlando Science Center to empower others with the valuable skills and insight needed to confront life’s greatest challenges. We are forever committed to the idea that sharing the remarkable power of STEM helps build a brighter future.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Newman, Demetria Sloan, President & CEO Chair, Board of Trustees (FY 2023-2024)
OUR STORY
BREATHING LIFE INTO A NEW EXHIBIT
We are so proud to have opened our new nature and conservation exhibit, Life, in April 2024. With three immersive habitats, Life is the biggest construction project we’ve undertaken since opening our current building in 1997. Life tells the story of our planet through the animals that call it home.
Through direct encounters within immersive environments that simulate various ecosystems and hands-on exhibit experiences, visitors can better understand how their actions affect all living things, both within Central Florida and beyond. We are all connected.
Dive into beautiful coral reefs in the Ocean and meet a few species of sharks, tropical fish, and the little invertebrates that maintain coral. Get hands-on with the creatures in our touch pool, including horseshoe crabs, lobsters, sea cucumbers and sea stars.
Step into the warm, lush landscape of the tropical Rainforest and say hello to playful monkeys and a sleepy sloth as songbirds sing and swoop above you. Or simply relax to the sound of a 17-foot-tall waterfall cascading down into a pool filled with vibrant, freshwater fish.
Lounge in the shade of our iconic cypress tree and meet a few Florida natives in the Swamp below. From burrowing owls and gopher tortoises to American alligators and freshwater turtles, Floridians have some interesting neighbors!
These areas feature hands-on experiential learning that vividly demonstrates our own interconnectedness with the natural world. Visitors can engage and be empowered to take positive action to conserve our natural resources and protect our fragile planet.
Orlando Science Center is dedicated to helping create a stronger and healthier world by educating our visitors using iconic exhibit experiences. As a Gold LEED-certified organization, we have the passion to teach by example. Direct encounters with animals and interactive experiences reveal key concepts and create lasting memories. This exhibit and its inhabitants serve as a vivid, living resource to inspire others to protect this fragile blue orb we call home.
Far more than a collection of flora and fauna, each gallery in Life is dedicated to educating guests about key threats to the featured ecosystems. In the Ocean, visitors explore the nitrogen cycle and discover how ocean acidification due to an increased absorption of carbon is threatening the health of our planet. The Rainforest brings the seemingly distant problem of deforestation closer to home by introducing visitors to exotic animal friends and sharing ways to contribute to reforestation. And the Swamp introduces guests to invasive species, demonstrating their devastating effects on food webs and the stability of native species and ecosystems.
This new exhibit is made possible thanks to substantial funding by
the Orange County Mayor, Board of County Commissioners and the Orange County Tourism community. Thanks to their support and other generous donors, including presenting sponsor Dr. Sarah Layton, Orlando Science Center has created an incredible new experience to highlight the amazing diversity of life and make a case for active conservation. Layton, an Orlando Science Center trustee, made the largest individual gift in Orlando Science Center’s history to support this project.
Life is the largest project resulting from the Unlock Science
Comprehensive Campaign, which is a multi-million-dollar, multi-year fundraising effort to invest in our community through the creation of relevant, engaging, impactful content that promotes informal science learning, family engagement and workforce development. Since 2014, more than $29M has been raised against the goal of $30 million. Multiple projects have been completed as part of this campaign, including KidsTown, the STEM Discovery Center, Tiny Green Home, the Virtual Reality Flight Lab The Hive: A Makerspace presented by the Isaacs Family, and the Food Heroes exhibit presented by Orlando Health.
DR. SARAH LAYTON
VISIONARY PHILANTHROPIST BEHIND THE NEW LIFE EXHIBIT
Dr. Sarah Layton is a renowned philanthropist and presenting sponsor of Orlando Science Center’s latest and largest endeavor, the Life exhibit. When she first learned of OSC’s plans for the Life exhibit, the story felt personal – a story shared by all who appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
For Layton, and we hope for many others, the Life exhibit is more than just a collection of plants, environments, and species – it’s a living testament to the wonders of science in our world and the importance of preserving it for the future.
From her early fascination with chemistry, biology, and math to her aweinspiring encounters with marine life during scuba diving adventures, Layton has always been captivated by the wonders of this amazing planet. Her passion for STEM education and her affinity for animals, nurtured since childhood, deeply resonates with the essence of the Life exhibit.
Layton recognizes the pivotal role that science plays in shaping our understanding of our planet and sees the exhibit as an opportunity to create a space where people can engage in the magic of science firsthand. Her support for the Life exhibit extends beyond financial contributions; it reflects her belief in the power of science and STEM education to change lives.
By investing in the exhibit, she hopes to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to explore, discover, and learn in a safe and inclusive environment alongside some of our most unique animal friends, such as the sloth, sharks, alligators and monkeys.
Layton hopes Life will spark meaningful conversations about animals, conservation, and the little blue planet we call home. She’s also optimistic that Life will inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers, problem solvers and innovators with a lifelong love of learning.
Dr. Layton exemplifies the profound impact that one person can have on the lives of many. Layton’s legacy as a visionary philanthropist and champion of STEM education will endure for generations. Through her unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy, she is leaving an indelible mark on the Orlando community and inspiring others to join her in shaping a brighter future.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
The heart of Orlando Science Center’s mission to inspire science learning for life is driven by the understanding that everyone should have equitable access to high-quality STEM education. Developing a personal identity within STEM opens opportunities for lifelong STEM education and careers.
SCIENCE FOR ALL
Orlando Science Center is committed to eliminating economic barriers to learning through the Science for All Access Program, which ensures individuals and families from low-income households have access to high-quality cultural experiences through reduced-price admissions and discounted family memberships. Through Science for All, we have helped eliminate barriers and provide greater access to our exhibits and programs, successfully reaching over a million people over the past decade.
NEIGHBORHOOD SCIENCE
In addition to expanding access to the Science Center, our STEM education programs in underserved communities provide employment pathways and economic mobility. Once again, addressing barriers and offering high impact STEM learning experiences for all, our outreach focuses on engaging students in their neighborhoods with an authentic and consistent presence.
Orlando Science Center’s Neighborhood Science provides high-quality STEM education in after school programs and community centers to help breakdown barriers and increase access to STEM. This innovative outreach program provides free access to hands-on workshops designed to develop 21st Century Skills, ignite passion for learning, and instill confidence.
Students engage in STEM discovery and skill-building through multiple activities, including coding, robotics, virtual reality, engineering design challenges, 3D printing and more. Neighborhood Science encourages students to actively engage and see themselves as future STEM professionals, utilizing curriculum geared towards specific STEM careers, and guest speaker visits from the STEM industry.
BUILDING CURIOSITY:
THE EXPANSION OF NEIGHBORHOOD SCIENCE
Neighborhood Science is now in its second year of programming, serving two locations (City of Orlando’s Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center and Bradley Otis Boys & Girls Club), with student workshops 4 days per week. We develop curriculum to align with students’ needs and interests and continue to build off each touchpoint to further enhance each individual lesson.
Activities are highly engaging; one program invites students to explore superhero technologies like Spider-Man’s web slingers by prototyping their own versions. Long-term projects, such as building vertical gardens using plastic bottles and using lunar regolith or “moon dirt” to grow red leaf lettuce, keep students coming back week after week.
In Fiscal Year 2024, Neighborhood Science served 298 individual students
with 5,097 total touchpoints. Due to the success and considerable need for this important program, we are happy to announce the expansion of Neighborhood Science to the Rosemont Neighborhood Center in January 2025!
Neighborhood Science has proven to be an important program in our community and Orlando Science Center is committed to sustaining its impact by maintaining a consistent, long-term presence. We are proud this innovative program has gained national attention and support, winning competitive awards from both NASA and the Office of Naval Research. We are thankful to major supporters who have made Neighborhood Science possible and ensure its future success including Disney, Michelle and Ryan DeVos, Bank of America, the LEGO Group, the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation, the Isermann Family Foundation, and Verizon.
GRANTING STEM ACCESS
Disney is committed to collaborating with organizations around the world to bring positive, meaningful, and measurable impact to our communities. Orlando Science Center is proud to be one of those organizations thanks to a shared belief that everyone should be able to engage in hands-on science learning and immersive STEM experiences in their own communities. Together, we are dedicated to advancing access to these experiences in Central Florida.
As the demand for STEM careers continues to rise throughout Florida, our Neighborhood Science program works to address challenges and revitalize STEM education connecting with youth where they live.
This important work is made possible with generous support from visionary companies and funders like Disney. Their support helps us be the spark that ignites curiosity in the innovators of tomorrow. By increasing access to opportunities to learn and practice STEM skills, Neighborhood Science provides the inspiration needed to pursue STEM higher-education and careers and the tools that students need to be successful in these fields.
Together we are building a more equitable and diverse STEM workforce for tomorrow!
IGNITE DISCOVERY
Orlando Science Center’s Ignite Discovery program is dedicated to igniting a passion for learning, sparking interest in STEM among early learners, and instilling confidence in the future leaders from our most distressed communities. Ignite Discovery provides children (ages 3-5) from low-income families with access to high-quality STEM education through hands-on student workshops, family engagement events, and teacher professional development.
For over a decade, Orlando Science Center has partnered with Orange County Head Start to provide this transformative program, resulting in remarkable impacts on students, caregivers, and teachers. This collaboration has led to significant gains in STEM learning and heightened interest among young participants. Sonya Hill, Director of Orange County Head Start, highlights the profound impact of the program: “Prior to the partnership with the Orlando Science Center, the child outcome scores in science were lower, and teachers reported the science areas as one of the least popular areas in the classroom. The Ignite Discovery program has made a difference. It has been so much more impactful, and the program has seen lasting results for children, their families, and our teachers.”
With 20% of Orange County’s children living in poverty, there is a clear and pressing need to provide high-quality early childhood education to those with financial hardships. Early childhood exposure to STEM is a crucial first step on this pathway, and this serves as the guiding force behind OSC’s longtime partnership with Orange County Head Start for our Ignite Discovery program.
Through Ignite Discovery:
• Students gain exposure to STEM fields, science vocabulary, and conceptual knowledge early in their development, expanding access to hands-on learning and creative thinking that builds neural networks, supports existing early childhood education curricula, and builds foundational 21st century skills necessary for success in school and beyond!
• Teachers enhance their skills and techniques to effectively and confidently teach STEM subjects to preschool-aged children.
• Families of participating students are empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to provide their children with opportunities to utilize STEM learning at home.
Ignite Discovery plays a vital role in Orlando Science Center’s mission to inspire science learning for life, ensuring that the future leaders of our communities are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
SCIENCE MATTERS: PROTECT THE PLANET
CONSERVATION COUNTS
Last year, in anticipation of the opening of our Life exhibit, Orlando Science Center launched a new phase of our Science Matters campaign titled “Protect the Planet.” We’re proud to have expanded this campaign from discussions of climate to an exploration of conservation and sustainability in a phase titled “Conservation Counts.”
Conservation includes maintaining diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems, but it also applies to functions of the environment such as providing clean air and water. In this way, conservation is more closely linked to natural resources, while sustainability is more closely related to human use of those resources. In practice, the two terms are often used interchangeably, as the concepts are symbiotic. To conserve resources, we must learn to live sustainably.
Like its predecessor campaigns, “Conservation Counts” pairs online resources with in-person programming on the exhibit floor to help educate our community about the importance of environmental stewardship. Guests can peruse the videos and activities on our website before visiting us to learn more about the conservation work associated with the Life exhibit and the ways Orlando Science Center is working to be a greener business.
As an example of some of this conservation work, many of the animals you’ll meet in the Life exhibit are part of Species Survival Plans, which is a program cooperatively managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population for threatened species. To be more sustainable, we use the produce grown in our aeroponic towers
on Level 1 as part of our animals’ diets, and we use recycled materials such as cardboard and newspapers as enrichment for our animals.
You can explore the “Conservation Counts” campaign on our website to learn more about how to develop greener habits to live a more sustainable life and conserve our natural resources for future generations.
MYTHBUSTING MISINFORMATION
We’re proud to announce that Orlando Science Center was awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for our work on the “Science Matters: Mythbusting Misinformation” campaign. We look forward to expanding this critical work in developing science literacy and building critical thinking skills in the Central Florida community and beyond. This project is currently in development, but you can stay tuned for more information by keeping an eye on www.osc.org/science-matters/.
SPARK STEM FEST
Orlando Science Center’s Spark STEM Fest resides at the crossroads of inspiration and engagement, igniting curiosity in STEM careers and empowering meaningful connections between the public and STEM professionals. This multi-day event celebrates the success and growth of Central Florida’s STEM community as well as the STEM professionals who share their passion and work with our audience.
Spark STEM Fest builds excitement around STEM and introduces curious minds from all ages and backgrounds to innovative organizations. During this event, guests explore the world of STEM through immersive and unique hands-on programming. With access to advanced technology
and opportunities to connect with STEM experts, there is something here for everyone.
At 2024’s Spark STEM Fest, guests met UCF’s TapeMeasure: a four-legged semiautonomous robot built with cutting edge technology in data gathering and measurement. While trotting throughout the Science Center, guests saw firsthand how TapeMeasure’s design helps it to avoid obstacles, map its environment, and collect limitless data! Through direct engagement with industry professionals, Spark STEM Fest continues to highlight the importance of STEM learning while encouraging guests to dream big and see the impact of science on their everyday lives.
SPARK STEM FEST
PARTICIPATION
14,000+
Attendees
1,408 Volunteers & Staff
70+ Exhibits
24 Sponsors & Benefactors
33 Speakers
12 Video Game Competitions
35 Performances
SPARKING CONNECTIONS
Spark STEM Fest provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase UCF’s latest research and innovations to the community while engaging with the public and making valuable connections with industry partners, educators, and potential students. Plus, the feedback we receive is invaluable for improving and advancing our outreach efforts. By participating in the event, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and contribute to UCF’s mission of unleashing the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world. We look forward to many more future collaborations with the Orlando Science Center.
Dr. Robert Wells, University of Central Florida Office of Research
Spark STEM Fest 2023 marked Qorvo’s inaugural role as a corporate sponsor, an exciting expansion of our ongoing partnership with the Orlando Science Center and their Science for All program. Participating in Spark STEM Fest allowed our team to engage directly with young people and families in our community, demonstrating the practical applications of STEM in our daily work at Qorvo.
Collaborating with other STEM-focused companies was incredibly rewarding, sharing the common goal of positively influencing community perceptions of STEM fields. This event perfectly aligns with the objectives of our Qorvo Cares program, which is dedicated to fostering goodwill, encouraging new connections and creating enjoyable experiences. These efforts aim to strengthen our community ties and promote a vibrant culture among Qorvo employees.
In 2024, supporting STEM education remains a key focus of Qorvo Cares. By inspiring the next generation, we are not only nurturing future employees but also cultivating future customers, building a stronger community for years to come.
Alberto Canabal, Sr. Director – Engineering, Qorvo
HERE COMES THE SUN (AND THE MOON)
ECLIPSE VIEWINGS IN LOCH HAVEN PARK
While Central Florida was not in the path of totality, Orlando Science Center visitors still celebrated two major astronomical events this past year. An annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023 and a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 provided opportunities for our astronomy educators to pull out all the stops and dynamically engage the public.
Both days, our team hosted eclipse viewing with special glasses, live shows, demonstrations and activities explaining what happens during an eclipse and how to view one safely. More than 2,000 guests came out to partake in the fun and learning within the Science Center and outside in Loch Haven Park.
These eclipse events helped position the Science Center as a community resource and a thought leader for our region. They received generous media coverage with multiple live reports from every major media outlet, including live streams from our observatory’s giant refractor telescope. On average, the events generated more than 30 media stories in the days prior and during the eclipse. Orlando Science Center was a focal point for community engagement during both events.
IMPACT NUMBERS
Orlando Science Center reaches hundreds of thousands of people each year as we connect the dots between the fun and wonder of science and its real-world applications. We engage, educate, and inspire others through hands-on exhibits, compelling live shows, and impactful programs delivered on-site and throughout the community. STEM starts here, from our littlest learners to the curious who realize you are never too old to learn something new.
660,201 Attendees
369,144 Youth Attendance
31,135 Youth participating in Preschool, Camps, & Classes
30,745 Volunteer Hours
754 Volunteers
13,862 Member Households
134,251 Students & Educators
SUPPORT FLOW
WHERE OUR SUPPORT COMES FROM
Public Support: $1,849,445
Private Support: $2,582,939
Earned Revenue: $11,762,350
WHERE OUR SUPPORT GOES
Programming Expenses: $10,976,228
Physical Plant Costs: $2,022,977
Management & General: $1,662,389
Contributed Materials & Services: $159,463
Fundraising Expenses: $513,329
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jim Atchison SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Retired
Chris Carmody* GrayRobinson, P.A.
Michelle DeVos Orlando Magic Ownership Group
Roi Ewell Ewell & Associates, LLC
Zeke Flores Flying Concessions
Dr. Sarah Layton
L & M Wildwood Property Holdings
Brendan Lynch Lowndes
Jenise Osani OUC
Nirav Pandya* Fulcrum Consulting
Rina Patel* VistaPrint
Lynn Sedwick RSM US, LLP
Dr. Richard Signer
AdventHealth for Children Retired
Demetria Sloan Vantage Point Coaching, LLC
VOTING TRUSTEES
Maureen Brockman Embrace Families Foundation
Karoom Brown* Robinson Brown Consulting
Eric Burris WESH, Channel 2
Juliana Calloway Black Rooster Taqueria
Oluchi Chuku Bank of America
Rebecca Church Massey Services, Inc.
Lisy Correa Deloitte, LLP
Kassandra Crimi WFTV, Channel 9
Chris Dawson GrayRobinson, P.A.
Jim DeCarlo Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Shilpa Deshpande-Finnerty Deshpande Family Foundation
Jordan Eichenblatt HIFIVE
Valentina Ellison Earl Enterprises
Devin Elmore Universal Orlando
Arash Farshid Doorbell Capital, LLC
Melanie Forbrick Siemens Energy
Tonja Graham Duke Energy
Lawrence Hatch First Horizon Bank
Collin Hayward 1898 & Co
Gary Heath* Massey Services, Inc
Tina Henton
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
Eric Lehman
Technology West Group
Tom Mirek*
Lockheed Martin
Sean Murphy 3N2 Sports
Sarah Nemes
SeaWorld Parks & Resorts
Dawn Ofodile VyStar Credit Union
Ben Robinson Holland & Knight
Camden Rock
Signature Aviation
Meredith Sand*
Meredith Sand Designs
Dr. Bret Scheuplein
Complete Care
Divinne Smith
Smith and Williams Trial Group
Shawn Strandberg
Orlando Health Physician Associates
Dr. Anjali Vyas*
Orlando Health Physician Associates
Dr. Peter Wearden
Nemours Children’s Health Systems
Andre Williams
Lockheed Martin
Keshia Woodie Orlando Magic
EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES
Melissa Byrd Orange County Public Schools
Martin Carmody* City of Orlando
Sabrice Guerrier
Rollins College
Mike Hess City of Orlando
Captain Tim James
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Dr. Eugene Jones*
Valencia College
Deidré Keller
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Dr. Elizabeth Klonoff
UCF College of Graduate Studies
Retired
Kristine Kraus Seminole County Public Schools
Karen Saunders PEO STRI
Dr. Stephen Summers Seminole State College
Dr. Maggy Tomova University of Central Florida
Andrea Wesser-Brawner Seminole County Government
HONORARY TRUSTEES
S. James Gates, Jr. , Ph.D University of Maryland
Steve Goldman
Les Kramer, Ph.D Advance Materials Professional Services
M.J. Soileau, Ph.D University of Central Florida
Nelson Ying, Sr., Ph.D China Pavilion, EPCOT
*Board term ended June 30, 2024
DONORS
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
A special thank you to all of our donors who inspire science learning for life through their annual support.
MEDALLION
SOCIETY
We recognize with our deepest appreciation our supporters whose cumulative giving to Orlando Science Center exceeds $1 million. Their generous support truly inspires science learning for life.
A. Friends’ Foundation
AdventHealth for Children
Charter CommunicationsSpectrum
City of Orlando
The Darden Foundation
Dr. Phillips Charities
Duke Energy Foundation
Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation
Florida Department of Education
Florida Division of Arts and Culture
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Isaacs Family
The Kresge Foundation
Dr. Sarah Layton
Lockheed Martin
The Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Office of Naval Research
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs
Orange County Government
Orlando Utilities Commission
The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation
Publix Super Markets Charities
Seminole County Government
Seminole County Public Schools
State of Florida
United Arts of Central Florida
Walt Disney World® Resort
Ying Family Foundation
PIONEER SOCIETY
We recognize with our deepest appreciation our supporters whose cumulative giving to Orlando Science Center exceeds $100,000. Their generous support truly inspires science learning for life.
Akerman, LLP
The Art and Phyllis Grindle Foundation
AT&T Florida
Bank of America
Joel and Susan Barker
Bert W. Martin Foundation
The Bosserman Family
Carl L. and Gini Weyand Trust
Central Florida Capital Funds Committee
Central Florida Foundation, Inc.
The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation
Code.org
Dr. Fred and Gayle Curtis
Edward R. Byers Company
Jesse and Mary Eisner
Electronic Arts
Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation
Embrace Families
Event Network
Virginia and Robert Finfrock
Florida Advisory Council on Environmental Education
Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Department of Labor
The Florida High Tech Corridor
Florida Hydrogen Initiative
Florida Power
Florida Prepaid
Florida Space Grant Consortium
Florida State University
Full Sail University
GBL Systems Corporation
Ginsburg Family Foundation
Glenn W. Bailey Foundation
Goldman Foundation
Sharon and Marc Hagle
Harriett Lake Family Trust
Catriona and Mike Harris
Heart of Florida United Way
Annette and Robert Irvine
Jack Holloway Foundation
James M. Cox Foundation
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
The LEGO Group
Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
Massey Services, Inc.
McCormick Foundation
Microsoft
National Geographic Cinema Ventures
National Science Foundation
Orange County Citizens’ Review Panel
Orange County Early Learning Coalition
Orlando Health
Orlando Magic Youth Foundation
Osceola County School Board
Phillip Crosby Foundation
PNC Bank
SeaWorld Parks and Resorts
Orlando
Seay Business Solutions, LLC
Siemens Energy, Inc.
St. John’s River Water Management District
STEM Alliance of Central Florida
Paula Stuart
SunTrust Bank
U.S. Department of Education
Universal Orlando Foundation
UCF College of Sciences
UCF Office of Research
VoLo Foundation
W.T. Bland Jr. Charitable Trust
Engrid Wallace
Wallace Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Westinghouse Foundation
WFTV/Channel 9 News
DONORS
Thank you to all of our donors who inspire science learning for life through their annual support during our fiscal year of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
VISIONARY CIRCLE
($100,000+)
A. Friends’ Foundation
City of Orlando Department of Navy
Michelle and Ryan DeVos
Jesse and Mary Eisner
Florida Division of Arts and Culture
The LEGO Group
Lockheed Martin
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Office of Naval Research
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs
Orange County Government
Orlando Utilities Commission
Publix Super Markets Charities
United Arts of Central Florida
Walt Disney World® Resort
CHAIR’S CIRCLE
($50,000 - $99,999)
Bank of America
Bert W. Martin Foundation
Deshpande Family Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation
Florida Prepaid
Orlando Health
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
($10,000 - $49,999)
Bradford and Jennifer Benn
Lyn and David Berelsman
The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation
Code.org
Dr. Fred and Gayle Curtis
Eve and Jim DeCarlo
First Horizon
Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Dairy Farmers
Shilyne Flynn and Alexander Quezada
Ginsburg Family Foundation
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Joyce Hardy in Memory of David Cole Hardy
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Isermann Family Foundation
JASKY Foundation
The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation
Land Rover Orlando
Massey Services, Inc.
Meta
Orange County Citizens’ Review Panel
The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation
Pizza Hut
PNC Bank
Seay Business Solutions, LLC
Spotlight Energy
ThreatLocker®
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Universal Orlando Foundation
UCF Office of Research
Verizon
VyStar Credit Union
William T. Morris Foundation
Ying Family Foundation
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
($5,000 - $9,999)
James Atchison
BioLife Plasma Services
The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation
Burns & McDonnell Foundation
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
Dr. Phillips Charities
Edward E. Haddock, Jr. Family Foundation
Roi and Chandra Ewell
The Florida High Tech Corridor
Florida Space Grant Consortium
Flying Concessions
Holland & Knight LLP
Melody and Brendan Lynch
Manufacturer’s Association of Central Florida
Margaret McCartney & R. Parks
Williams Foundation
Mass Virtual, Inc
Sean and Stephanie Murphy
Nordstrom Cares
Orange Technical College
Qorvo
Rollins College
Dr. Bret and Meghan Scheuplein
SeaWorld Parks and Resorts
Orlando
Lynn and Dan Sedwick
7thSense Design
Siemens Energy, Inc.
TD Charitable Foundation
UCF College of Sciences
UCF Institute for Simulation & Training
UCF RESTORES
Dr. Peter Wearden
INVESTOR CIRCLE
($2,500 - $4,999)
Eleanor and Keith Ackermann
Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation
Anonymous
Frances and Waymon Armstrong
Kelly and Dirk Baker in Honor of Sydney Baker
David Collins and Stephanie Garber
Lisandra and Lazaro Diaz
Engineering and Computer Simulation
Florida Photonics Cluster
Michael and Terri Harding
Dr. Sarah Layton
Marsh & McLennan Agency
Steven D. Nakagawa
National Center for Simulation
JoAnn and Rich Newman
Orlando City Soccer Club
Susan and Jerry Roth
Dr. Bill and Dottie Silverman
Demetria and Jeffrey Sloan
The Bond Foundation
Track Shack Fitness Club, Inc.
UCF Florida Interactive
Entertainment Academy
PATRON CIRCLE
($1,000 - $2,499)
Melanie and Charles Barker
Steve and Nikki Botwinik
Dr. Alex Cartwright
Central Florida Foundation, Inc.
Richard And Melissa Colburn
Drusilla Farwell Foundation
Ted and Betty Eidson
Kingsley and Devin Elmore
Christina Forney and Patrick Robertson
Mary Frailey
Dr. David W. Gurney
Heart of Florida United Way
Pamela and Laverne Patrick Herzog
Vikki Hodgkins
Hytec Dealer Services, Inc.
Kenneth H. Kraft Memorial Fund
Martha Lacy
Mari and Jim Moye
Dhanya Nair
Dr. Ron and Nina Oppenheim
Pennant Solutions
Ron and Dominique Piccolo
Shawn and Dara Ratner
Rockwell Automation
Alan L. Sherbourne
Andrea and Morgan Simpson
William J. Slot, Jr.
Arvy and CJ Sodhi
Hudie and Fred Stone
Lyndsey and Jonathan Sutherland
UCF College of Engineering & Computer Science
UCF CREATE
Donna and Keith Van Allen
Dr. Anjali Vyas and Dr. Neeraj Bajaj
Waggoner Foundation in Memory of Robert Waggoner
UNLOCK SCIENCE CAMPAIGN
Through Unlock Science, an ongoing comprehensive capital campaign, Orlando Science Center is investing resources as part of a strategic effort to better serve the growing 21st century learning needs within its walls and out in the community. As Unlock Science progresses, OSC is generating long-term benefits for the community by improving visitor experiences through renovations to exhibit spaces, revitalizing program content, and expanding resources to increase access. OSC gratefully acknowledges the generous commitments made before June 30, 2024, by the donors below in support of the Unlock Science campaign.
($1,000,000$9,999,999)
AdventHealth for Children
FINFROCK
Florida Division of Arts and Culture
The Isaacs Family
Dr. Sarah Layton
Office of Naval Research
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs
($500,000 - $999,999)
A. Friends’ Foundation
City of Orlando
Michelle and Ryan DeVos
Dr. Phillips Charities
Publix Super Markets Charities
State of Florida
($100,000 - $499,999)
The Art and Phyllis Grindle Foundation
Linda Avery and Janet Edwards in honor of Marian and Bill Lacy
Bert W. Martin Foundation
The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation
Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation
Embrace Families
Event Network
($10,000,000+)
Orange County Government
Orange County Tourism Community
The Martin Andersen-Gracia
Andersen Foundation
Massey Services, Inc.
Orlando Health
PNC Bank
Paula Stuart
W.T. Bland Jr. Charitable Trust
($50,000 - $99,999)
Florida Blue Foundation
The Hearst Foundation
Orlando Utilities Commission
($10,000 - $49,999)
Sheila and Patrick Aland
Waymon J. Armstrong
Bridgette and David Baten
Faith and Jeff Buhler
Carmen Burkhammer and Scott Wilson
Lisa and Michel Champagne
Deshpande Family Foundation
Digital Assurance
Certification, LLC
DiPasqua Enterprises, Inc.
Catriona and Mike Harris
The Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation
Karen and Dennis Lind
Suneera and Faizal Madhani
Esther McKean
Heather and Samual Miller
Virginia and Robert Finfrock
Sharon and Marc Hagle
Harriett Lake Family Trust
James M. Cox Foundation
Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
JoAnn and Rich Newman
Simoli and Nirav Pandya
Monica and John Rivers
Seay Business Solutions, LLC
Dr. Richard and Helaine Signer
William J. Slot, Jr.
Tupperware Brands Corporation
Walt Disney Company Foundation
Ying Family Foundation
($1,000 - $9 ,999)
Cindy and Bruce Anderson
Anonymous
BDO USA, LLP
Linda Cadogan and Chuck Beverly
Amy and Chris Chapman
Shannon and Min Cho
David Christensen
Stewart and Kelly Clark
Sue and James Cross
Duke Energy Foundation
Kingsley and Devin Elmore
Roi and Chandra Ewell
Rita and Tim Flaherty
Scott Grabowski and Suzanne Worthington
Betsy and Shelton Granade
Gary and Brandee Heath
Karen and Darrell Lane
Brandan Lanman
Matthew and Julie Levine
Marilyn Moran and Michael Weaver
Steven D. Nakagawa
Dennis Nolte
Lynn and Dan Sedwick
Dottie and Bill Silverman
Demetria and Jeffrey Sloan
Mila Smith
Lorraine and Jerry Sullivan
Marc and Jennifer Swanson
Keri and Luke Widmer
William H. and Mattie Wattis
Harris Foundation
Lindsay Winter
1955 LEGACY SOCIETY
We are incredibly grateful to the individuals who have provided for Orlando Science Center in their will or estate plans.
William Gluyas, Jr.
Terri and Michael Harding
David Cole Hardy
Betty Houseman
Ruth and Frank Hubbard
Martha Lacy
Dr. Sarah Layton
Edwin Murray
Engrid Wallace
Carl L. and Gini Weyland
Scott H. Wilson
If you have already named Orlando Science Center as a beneficiary in your estate plans, please let us know so that we may express our gratitude and recognize you in our Legacy Society.
IN KIND SUPPORT
We appreciate the individuals and community partners who support Orlando Science Center through In-Kind products and services.
Aloft Hotel
Aquatica Orlando
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Barrymore Hotel
Blue Martini
Bluewater Freedivers
Bradford Renaissance Portraits
Brightline
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Capital Genealogy
Caribe Royale Orlando
City of Orlando
Darden Restaurants
Terry Davis
Discovery Cove
Dubsdread Golf Course
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Fun Spot Attractions
Hawks Cay Resort
Invigorate Asheville
Ivanhoe Park Brewing
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Dr. Sarah Layton
Ledford Rhodes
Legacy Vacation Resorts
Lockheed Martin
Maxine’s on Shine
Mikes Hard Lemonade
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
Orlando Magic
Pizza Hut
Plate Above Catering
SeaWorld Parks and Resorts
Orlando
Sonny’s BBQ
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
Staybridge Suites
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Celeste Hotel
Total Wine
Travel Country
Turner Construction Company
Universal Orlando WestJet
Winter Park Laser
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Orlando Science Center’s dedicated volunteers play a vital and invaluable role in our efforts to inspire science learning for life. A special thank you to our volunteers who have served for 5 years or more by July 1, 2024.
Irene Morris – 50 years
Gayle Nance – 35 years
Fred Curtis – 28 years
Jeanne Kalil – 27 years
Marty Galassini – 24 years
Bob Sorensen – 20 years
Valerie First – 17 years
Josh Synovec – 15 years
Eric Hoin – 12 years
Angela Kirby – 12 years
Keith Ackermann – 11 years
Ileana Giurca – 11 years
Deanna Keller – 10 years
Stanley Chin – 10 years
David Baer – 9 years
Steve Bryan – 9 years
Silke Galassini – 9 years
Bill Bunch – 6 years
UNITED ARTS
DONOR RECOGNITION
United Arts of Central Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the one-stop-shop in supporting arts, science, and history in Central Florida. United Arts serves more than 70 cultural institutions and artists by raising and distributing funds, securing and facilitating contracts for services, including vital Pre-K to Grade 12 educational programming, and providing management, administrative, and advisory services.
Through the generosity of its donors, United Arts has invested more than $145 million in local arts and cultural organizations and education, and through them, the diverse and energetic community that is Central Florida.
United Arts is deeply grateful to its donors and community partners for their investment in and support of Central Florida’s creative community and the enormous impact it has on our lives every day.
2024 contributors to United Arts & The Collaborative Campaign for the arts between July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Learn more unitedartscfl.org
YOUR GIFT HAS A BIG IMPACT!
Did you know Orlando Science Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit? We rely on supporters like you to help fund our exhibits, events, and community outreach.
Thanks to our generous donors, Orlando Science Center has had an impact on millions of lives in Central Florida. Nearly 30% of our annual budget comes from supporters who understand the importance of high-quality STEM learning opportunities and want to ensure every child is afforded the opportunity to pursue their aspirations through our engaging and life changing programs like Neighborhood Science.
WHY YOUR GIFT MATTERS
Access to high-quality STEM education is a crucial factor in shaping the futures of young learners, particularly those from low-income and underserved communities. Many of these students face significant challenges, with fewer opportunities to engage in enriching educational experiences outside of the classroom. Your support ensures that these children have the chance to explore, innovate, and grow through our STEM programs and initiatives. By investing in their education, you are providing the spark that can ignite a lifelong passion for learning and open doors to brighter futures. Your generosity makes all the difference.
WAYS TO GIVE
With your help, Orlando Science Center has been a trusted leader in science education since 1955 – working directly with our community and schools to ensure that every youth has a chance to learn, explore, and dream of what they can become. Your ongoing support provides critical access to educational programming, meaningful experiences, and the opportunity for young minds to ignite their curiosity and creativity, turning their ideas into reality. There are many ways to support Orlando Science Center! For more information, contact us at development@osc.org or 407.514.2183.
INDIVIDUAL GIFTS
Give a gift of any size from yourself or on behalf of your family by check or credit card. Annual or monthly giving plans are also available.
MATCHING GIFTS
The impact of your gift may be doubled thanks to employers who sponsor matching gift programs that match charitable contributions or volunteer hours.
LEGACY GIVING
The long-term commitment of a planned gift is a way to create a personal legacy supporting OSC. Planned gifts take many forms and may include IRA contributions and retirement plans, real estate, life insurance, and personal bequests.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
There’s no better place for your company to be seen than OSC. We offer a wide variety of partnership opportunities to meet your charitable and community engagement goals.
SECURITIES & STOCKS
Donating stocks and other securities is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give and can increase the amount of funds available for charitable giving.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Recommend a grant to Orlando Science Center through your Donor Advised Fund.
