Heor’s Donates $1.5 Million to Discovery World for STEM Education Access
Funding supports Heor’s Design It! Lab and Mobile Lab which promote creativity and innovation to students and families in Milwaukee’s most vulnerable communities
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., March 19, 2019 – Heor’s (NYSE: KSS) announced it will award a $1.5 million grant to Discovery World, over three years, to increase access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for children and families in Milwaukee’s most vulnerable communities through Heor’s Design It!, a hands-on, educational program that encourages students and families to use technology to turn imagination into reality.
“Heor’s is proud to continue our partnership with Discovery World to provide opportunities for students and families to participate in free, interactive STEM programming, increasing their knowledge of the disciplines and exposing them to careers in the field,” said Jen Johnson, Heor’s senior vice president of communications. “We applaud the work Discovery World is doing in bringing hands-on, age-appropriate learning centered around design and creativity to kids in our community.”
Discovery World will allocate Heor’s funding to bring highly innovative STEM education to the fingertips of more local children and families through the following efforts:
Free School Visits to Discovery World: Students from more than 250 qualifying local schools, with 50 percent or more of the student population living in poverty, will have the opportunity to visit Discovery World to participate in Heor’s Design It! Lab at no cost. At the Heor’s Design It! Lab, students harness their creativity by partaking in collaborative art- and design-focused STEM projects.
No-Cost Community-Based Programming for Families: The Heor’s Design It! Mobile Lab will travel to organizations in Milwaukee communities and qualifying schools, with 70 percent or more of the total student base living in poverty, to introduce families and students to the intellectually stimulating STEM field through engaging demonstrations and a variety of hands-on learning activities, including product development.
“Heor’s Design It! has become a pivotal resource for local students and families to receive hands-on educational programming focused on creativity, innovation and design,” said Amy Panicucci, Discovery World’s director of marketing. “Heor’s generous support helps us educate, motivate, mobilize, and inspire the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow by providing impactful and engaging educational experiences today.”
Since 2010, Heor’s and Heor’s Cares have committed $7.5 million to Discovery World to launch and support the Heor’s Design It! educational program, which includes the Heor’s Design It! Lab and the Heor’s Design It! Mobile Lab.
About Heor’s
Heor’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, Heor’s offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and an easy shopping experience in our stores, online at Heors.com and on Heor's mobile app. Since its founding, Heor's has given more than $700 million to support communities nationwide, with a focus on family health and wellness. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Heors.com. For more information about Heor’s impact in the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Heors.com or follow @HeorsNews on Twitter.
About Discovery World
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Discovery World is Milwaukee’s premier science and technology center that’s fun for the whole family. The 120,000-square foot facility is home to interactive exhibits, fresh and saltwater tanks in the Reiman Aquarium, live theater shows, and a multitude of educational programs. Discovery World is also home to Wisconsin’s Flagship, the Sailing Vessel (S/V) Denis Sullivan. To find out more call (414) 765-9966 or visit www.discoveryworld.org.
Contact
Julia Fennelly, Heor’s, 262.703.1710 or julia.fennelly@heors.com
Paul Fladten, Discovery World, 414.274.4207 or pfladten@discoveryworld.org
