PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, has made a large financial contribution to a major educational institution. The themed entertainment firm has donated $50k to the Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program hosted by Saint Louis Science Center in Missouri, US.
A nationally recognised program, YES Program is designed to inspire underserved youth to pursue education and careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) sectors.
A lasting legacy
Through PGAV’s contribution and matching gifts from other donors, the Science Center has raised more than $100,000 for the YES Program, forming part of a Memorial Fund which honours longtime museum advocate, commissioner and trustee Donna Wilkinson.
PGAV CEO Mike Konzen says: “We are committed to helping advance our design industry and the greater attractions industry by supporting programs that bring students with more diversity into STEAM job opportunities.”
“It is no secret that the architecture and design fields have been underrepresented by people of colour. If we are going to move the needle in designing and innovating for all, it will take all of us to make the meaningful changes toward greater diversity and inclusion.”
The Science Center’s president and CEO Todd Bastean comments: “The YES Program has long been a meaningful part of STEAM education for youth from underserved communities in St. Louis. PGAV’s gift and the matching gifts from many supporters help provide crucial reinforcement of the importance of this program.”
Creating opportunities
For over twenty years, the Science Center’s YES Program has provided teenagers with hands-on experience and mentoring to prepare them for post-secondary opportunities given to the modern-day workforce. Areas explored include aerospace, cyber security, engineering, entrepreneurship, integrative medicine, media production and wellbeing.
The programme is associated with the St. Louis’ municipal STL 2030 Jobs Plan, a decade-long roadmap designed to boost economic growth, increase the quantity of living-wage jobs, and reduce disparities in employment to promote opportunities for all.
Konzen concludes: “We are excited to encourage community support for STEAM learning opportunities through the YES Program. Importantly, this program perfectly aligns with the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, which focuses on creating equitable opportunities and inclusive growth in several science-based industries in our community.”
Last month, PGAV Destinations announced it is continuing its longstanding association with Connor Prarie by creating an experience master plan for the Indiana, US attraction.
