Imagination Station Up for National Award
February 24, 2016
By: Jay Skebba, Toledo Blade
February 24, 2016
Imagination Station’s contributions to the community and science education are well-known throughout northwest Ohio, but now the science center is receiving national praise.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced Tuesday that Imagination Station is one of 30 finalists (15 museums and 15 libraries) in the country up for a National Medal, and the only one in Ohio.
“It is an honor to be named a finalist for the National Medal,” Imagination Station CEO Lori Hauser said. “It’s a wonderful designation to show that since reopening Imagination Station, we’ve re-established our STEM programs on a national level, and that people are recognizing the efforts we’re putting forth in our community.”
The medal is in its 22nd year and is the highest honor given to American institutions making significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. The annual ceremony in Washington has awarded the medal to 152 institutions. First Lady Michelle Obama presented medals at last year’s gathering.
Winners also receive a $5,000 award.
“We allow our young people to learn about concepts so essential to life by allowing visitors to experience those concepts in a way that isn’t possible through a textbook or watching a video online,” U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) said. “Imagination Station fills an important need as an interactive science resource that brings together science, technology, engineering, and math.”
Miss Kaptur noted that STEM education plays an important role in Lucas County. In 2013, only 73 percent of eighth graders were proficient in math, and 64 percent were proficient in science.
“So we have work to do,” Miss Kaptur said. “Imagination Station is filling a critical educational need in our community to build tomorrow’s leaders.”
Winners of the 2016 award will be announced later this spring. Imagination Station's predecessor, COSI, won the National Medal in 2006.
Imagination Station hosted 216,000 visitors in 2015, including 12,000 students and teachers.