Half of the new jobs created in our region require skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Yet, many children, especially from disadvantaged populations, lose interest in STEM careers due to lack of representation and access to STEM enrichment experiences. Children's Science Center provides children and families with the necessary resources for creating awareness and equitable access to STEM education. They deliver their programs directly in the community, at its Lab (a 5,400-square- foot, hands-on facility), and through interactive virtual learning programs, such as Makerspace Wednesdays, focused on the engineering design process, and Animal Encounters, which engages the whole family in learning about the amazing animals at the Center. Children's Science Center is rising to the challenge to ensure STEM resources are available and accessible to everyone. Your support will help them continue to meet that challenge.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-Loudoun County; VA-Prince William County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: Not applicable


  • Number of visitors served annually in the Lab and at community programs delivered across the region:   70,000
  • Number of schools served by our traveling hands-on STEM program:   50
  • Number of Title I schools served with a hands-on STEM program at no cost:   30
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   500

Awards & Recognition

Accomplishments:
- Opened Northern Virginia’s first children’s museum and science center in 2015.
- Raised $3.5M in past six years to support operations, first museum site build-out, and planning for future science center.
- Serve 50 schools across 5+ jurisdictions with outreach programs annually. 40% of those schools are Title I schools served at no charge with supported by awarded grants. Popularity of program has required blind drawing of applicant schools for past 5 years.

Awards:
- 2017 NonProfit of the Year by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce
- 2016 Non-Profit of the year Finalist by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- 2015 STEM Award by Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce
- 2015 NAIOP Award of Merit, Interior Retail Project Children’s Science Center Lab
- 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award

Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation DBA Children's Science Center is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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