Children’s Discovery Museum Receives $20,000 Grant From State Farm

NORMAL – The Children’s Discovery Museum of Normal announced Thursday that they have received a $20,000 grant from State Farm to benefit its after school program. The generous grant will provide the financial assistance needed for the Innovation Institute Program that is in its 6th year partnership with the museum, Illinois State University and UNITY Community Center. Additionally, the money will be used to continue to the museum’s emphasis on STEAM related content that is available to the youth from Kindergarten all the way through college.

“We are so grateful that State Farm has chosen to continue their support of our program with this grant. We love visiting UNITY each week and building strong bonds with the students. It is so rewarding to see how the kids grow throughout the year and how excited they are to transition through different levels of the program.” said School Programs & Outreach Educator Jennifer Raisbeck.

The mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire love through the power of play, while the vision is to build confidence in tomorrow’s youth. The mission and vision are accomplished by providing hands-on exhibits, classes and programs that actively engage the visitor in experiences that stimulate imagination, curiosity, and wonder.

Beth Whisman, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum spoke about the grant.

“If we didn’t have the grant, I’m not sure the program would be able to exist, with us. Because of the $20,000, every penny we get from State Farm goes to our programs at UNITY Community.”

When asked how the grant will directly help the program and the children involved within it, Whisman spoke about the relationships being built with the children, their families, and how important the grant truly is.

“Jenny, our program person who goes out, does a great job and she’s building relationships with the families also involved in the program,” said Whisman. “They are sharing what they learned when they come and have our science nights here at the Museum; to show the public what it is they’re doing and get comfortable with teaching and engaging with total strangers about what they’ve learned. These things wouldn’t happen without that grant, that is an absolute. We’re excited and we’re very pleased that State Farm continues to fund this program.”

To learn more about the Children’s Discovery Center visit ChildrensDiscoveryMuseum.net.

Nick Imparo contributed to this story.