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Introducing the "Iowa STEM Pass"

Introducing the "Iowa STEM Pass"

  • Tuesday August 6, 2019

Three organizations that emphasize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are teaming up to offer the "Iowa STEM Pass," which encourages families to explore STEM across the state.

Funded through a grant provided by GreenState Credit Union, the Science Center of Iowa, Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa Children’s Museum will offer a ticket booklet that features single-use passes for admission to all three organizations, plus discounts on food, gifts and other activities.

The Iowa STEM Pass will cost $30 for adults and $20 for children, which represents a significant savings off regular admission prices if purchased individually. The savings can add up to more than $25 with each STEM Pass booklet.

"While going to a children’s museum, science center and a zoo are viewed by many as fun family activities, all three organizations are filled with science, technology, engineering and math activities that encourage incidental learning," said Anne Shimerdla, president and COO of Blank Park Zoo.

"We are fortunate in our state to have so many organizations doing highly impactful work in a range of different informal learning environments," said Jeff Capps, executive director of The Iowa Children's Museum. "I'm so glad that Iowa families are going to have the chance to experience three of them through this great program."

"Early engagement with STEM is critical to developing interest and awareness in future generations," said Curt Simmons, president and CEO of the Science Center of Iowa. "We are excited to partner with the Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa Children's Museum to showcase the many ways families can explore STEM together across the state of Iowa."

The Iowa STEM Pass can be purchased at the box office of all three organizations.

About the Iowa Children’s Museum
Founded in 1996, The Iowa Children's Museum (The ICM) in Coralville anticipates welcoming nearly 200,000 visitors this year alone. The ICM believes in the power of play as the essence of every child's positive development. With 100+ diverse partner organizations, The ICM is cultivating broad community support for play as the foundation of academic success; physical, social and emotional development; and artistic expression. Exhibits, programs and activities are built around five core initiatives: Healthy Kids, STEM, Financial Literacy, Arts & Culture and School Readiness. Additionally, The ICM provides 20-25% of its annual attendance as free admission for at-risk children and vulnerable families, enabling the entire community to experience, and benefit from, the power of play.

About Blank Park Zoo
The mission of Blank Park Zoo is to inspire and appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation. Blank Park Zoo is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily. Admission rates are $14 for adults, $8 for children under 12, and $11 for seniors and active military. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at http://www.blankparkzoo.com. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) The AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.

About the Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa engages and inspires Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning. Centrally located in Downtown Des Moines, SCI features dynamic experience platforms, large format theaters and daily interactive science demonstrations. Through daily visitors, a statewide educational outreach program and the NAEYC-accredited SCI Preschool, the Science Center of Iowa serves more than 300,000 people annually.