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Discovery Science Foundation Embarks on Regional Plan to Expand Science Learning in Southern California
[July 30, 2014]

Discovery Science Foundation Embarks on Regional Plan to Expand Science Learning in Southern California


SANTA ANA, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

The Discovery Science Foundation (www.discoverycube.org), the newly created entity behind Orange (News - Alert) County's award-winning Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, has broken ground on a long-term, regional plan to bring science-based learning and education to more of Southern California.

Artist's rendering of the new Discovery Cube Los Angeles set to open on November 13, 2014 at the Han ...

Artist's rendering of the new Discovery Cube Los Angeles set to open on November 13, 2014 at the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. (Photo: Business Wire)

Discovery Cube Orange County, presented by Taco Bell, formerly Discovery Science Center, is the Santa Ana museum's new name as part of a multiyear expansion and rebranding effort. The expansion is nearly doubling the current size to 115,000 square feet which will accommodate ongoing growth in attendance and demand for onsite and offsite educational programs.

Joining it will be Discovery Cube Los Angeles, a second campus now under construction on the site of the former Children's Museum of Los Angeles. Offering an exhibit and program mix exclusive to Los Angeles, the two-story, 71,000 square-foot center will be the first major museum in the San Fernando Valley when it opens in the Hansen Dam Recreational Area in the Lake View Terrace neighborhood on Nov. 13, 2014.

The dual-facility effort is part of a larger Discovery Science Foundation plan to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) proficiency, early childhood learning, healthy living and environmental stewardship in Southern California through engaging science-based programs and exhibits that create a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

Discovery Cube Lo Angeles will have the same operational, program-development and fundraising support that enabled the Orange County center to receive the prestigious National Medal of Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in 2013.



"We're excited to bring our commitment to science-based hands-on learning and innovation to more Southern California families, children and science fans," explained Joe Adams (News - Alert), CEO of the Discovery Science Foundation. "When Discovery Cube LA opens in November, more than 11.5 million people, including 2.6 million children under the age of 14, will live within 30 minutes of one of our two campuses. With that large audience, the potential for broader educational impact is enormous."

As part of the Discovery Science Foundation strategy of close collaboration with local corporate and educational circles, Discovery Cube Los Angeles will be backed by a board of directors that includes: Joe Adams, CEO of Discovery Science Foundation; Kelly Cheeseman, Chief Operating Officer of AEG Sports; Bruce Corwin, Chairman, Metropolitan Theatres; Melanie Coto, Philanthropist; The Honorable Wendy Greuel, Community Leader; Tim McCallion, President, Western Region of Verizon (News - Alert); Sukeshi "Casey" O'Neal, Philanthropist; The Honorable Alex Padilla, California State Senate; Pedram Salimpour, MD, President of Los Angeles County Medical Association; and Miguel Santana, City Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles.


Planned exhibits focused on the environment, children's health and literacy, a "Making the Grade" gallery for the Next Generation Science Standards, and a 4D Theater are expected to draw 180,000 visitors during the Discovery Cube L.A.'s first year. Detailed exhibit plans, including partnerships with several well-known Los Angeles companies, will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Discovery Cube Los Angeles will enrich the lives of families in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities," said Wendy Greuel, Board Member and Community Leader. "Recognized as a terrific interactive science experience for children, Discovery Cube LA will instantly become an iconic piece of the Valley tapestry."

At the original Orange County center, a 44,000 square-foot expansion and remodel planned for completion in April 2015 will add a new Welcome Center, Mission Control exhibit, Healthy Kitchen, Early Learning Zone and a California Natural Resources Pavilion, as well as a 10,000 square-foot Showcase Theater to host larger traveling exhibits. The addition will help the center meet growing demand from residents and schools that saw attendance swell to over 500,000 in 2013. Discovery Cube Orange County is the most densely populated science center in the country per square feet and has the 3rd largest science education outreach program in the nation reaching over 250,000 students in the classroom each year.

About Discovery Science Foundation:

The Discovery Science Foundation serves as the program-development, marketing and fundraising arm for hands-on science learning museums in Orange County and Los Angeles. Established in 1989, the original non-profit Taco Bell Discovery Science Center (DSC) in Santa Ana, now renamed Discovery Cube Orange County, presented by Taco Bell, continues to inspire and educate millions of young minds through engaging science based programs and exhibits. In 2012, the Center was named one of the ten "Most Trusted Brands" in Orange County and in 2013 was awarded the National Medal of Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In November 2014, Discovery Cube Los Angeles, a second museum offering an exhibit and program mix unique to Los Angeles, will open in the Hansen Dam Recreational Area of the San Fernando Valley. For more information, call (866) 552-CUBE (2823) or visit www.discoverycube.org.


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