Coming off the heels of being named one of the best in the country, the Mississippi Children’s Museum has announced plans to expand its educational and workforce development programs.
The museum, which was named one of the top three children’s museums in the U.S. by USA Today in February, revealed plans for the expansion including two new features: The City Lab and The Nest.
The City Lab will be The Lift’s interactive STEAM exhibit gallery used to provide hands-on training in digital technologies and computer science for both educators and students. The Lift is the museum’s educational branch and focuses on statewide outreach, workforce development, STEAM, and literacy training for teachers.
A demonstration of how children’s passions and interests can be turned into fulfilling careers that positively and sustainably impact the future of our state will be displayed in the gallery.
Meanwhile, The Nest will serve as an educator resource center for current and upcoming educators both from urban and rural school districts, supported by access to instructional materials through in-person and digital networking. In The Nest, educators will have access to a library of lesson plans, STEAM experiments, and other valuable resources to aid their classroom teaching.
“Through programs like The LIFT, we are doing more than providing activities for children to do in the here and now– we are setting them up to be successful adults,” Mississippi Children’s Museum President Susan Garrard said. “We have a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of Mississippians for decades to come, and we are excited to begin the next chapter of this important work.”
In addition, the Mississippi Children’s Museum is also expanding its after-school program, which currently serves more than 130 students in Jackson and Meridian. The museum provides an after-school environment with programs including architecture, coding, art, and more.
“We are truly honored to be named one of the best children’s museums in the country,” Garrard said. “Not only are we dedicated to making sure our museum remains a top tourist destination, but we are expanding our focus on education, outreach, and workforce development. The Mississippi Children’s Museum is an incredible place for children to play, but it is so much more than that. We are continuing to grow and invest in the future generations of Mississippians by providing top-of-the-line educational opportunities for students and teachers alike through The LIFT program.”
More information about the museum, including hours of operation and ticket prices can be found here.
