By Bridget Lee, San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

Inequities in science and math achievement start the moment students enter our school systems. Studies have shown that about 16% of White students versus just 4% of Black or Hispanic students display advanced science or math achievement during kindergarten. As students continue through elementary school, this gap persists. When children are provided opportunities at foundational developmental milestones (ages 0-5), they are more likely to develop stronger interests and abilities in math and science education.

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum provides those opportunities. Our hands-on early childhood education museum sparks a love of learning, allowing all children to make new and exciting discoveries. For over 20 years, the museum has provided access to economically disadvantaged children and families through special membership and admission programs, school field trip scholarships, and Mobile Children’s Museum scholarships.  

“ Access for All” is at the core of our mission to make the museum accessible to all children, removing any financial or physical barriers to receiving access to hands-on, early childhood education. The museum’s reduced membership allows families who need it most to enjoy the museum year-round for a fraction of the cost. In 2022 alone, 40% of children served onsite qualified for reduced admission/membership through the Access for All program. Thanks to the generosity of local corporations, donors, and foundations, the museum graciously receives funding for the Access for All programming, our STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math) programs and events that provide hands-on activities that lay the groundwork for countless subjects children will encounter in their daily lives.  

These STREAM programs are often the only opportunity economically disadvantaged families have to introduce their children to science and engineering outside of school.

"At the museum, we pride ourselves on creating authentic hands-on learning experiences that spark a love of learning,” said Krishna Kabra, CEO of San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum. Through the lens of STEM education, we're providing families with opportunities to build foundational critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will prepare children for their adult lives. These programs are a terrific opportunity for children to engage in topics that fuel their curiosity and imagination." 

For families who may not be able to travel to the museum or afford admission/membership, the museum comes to them. The Mobile Children’s Museum reaches children throughout San Diego County. Over 7,000 children are served through the Mobile Children’s Museum annually, 90% of whom come from racially marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities. Through partnerships with local school districts and libraries, such as Oceanside Public Library’s Bookmobile, the mobile museum can reach more kids and allow them to engage with hands-on, portable versions of the museum’s innovative exhibits. 

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum strives to be a resource that all families, no matter their economic status, can continue to rely on to provide STREAM education for their kids.

Learn more about the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum’s Access for All Initiative at https://www.sdcdm.org/giving/access