Impact
The Science Mill’s impact expands from students, to teachers, to communities, to a strong future STEM workforce in Texas. Through our highly interactive museum, virtual resources, and innovative on- and off-site programs:
Students see themselves as STEM professionals and entrepreneurs.
School districts and teachers benefit from new STEM career curricula brought back to their classrooms.
Economically disadvantaged Texas communities have increased support for the next generation of STEM leaders.
““Thank you for awarding our class a scholarship to the Science Mill. The Science Mill has inspired me to become a scientist. Because I explored the Science Mill it made me want to learn more science. And make great discoveries.””
When you contribute, your support goes into:
Creating innovative, interactive STEM exhibits
Developing quality STEM programs like SCI Camps, Learning Labs, and Labs on the Go that engage and inspire
Subsidizing museum admission and field trips
2024 Impact Highlights
2024 was an exciting year for the Science Mill! We invite you to read our full Impact Report, or scroll through some highlights below.
Museum Visitors
We’ve hosted more than 380,000 visitors over the last 9 years, including over 80,000 students on school field trips.
SCI Camp Impact
We served over 5,600 students in 50+ school districts over the last 9 years through our STEM Career Immersion (SCI) Camps.
Support the Science Mill
〰️
Support the Science Mill 〰️
SERVING UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES
76%
of Camps were held in rural communities
100%
of summer campers attended at no cost
89%
of sites predominantly serve at-risk populations; students who are economically disadvantaged, academically challenged, have limited English proficiency, attendance issues, and/or homeless
Special Project: Mobile Eclipse PROJECT
To help rural students living in the eclipse path better understand its significance, we delivered Eclipse Quest: A Mobile Eclipse Team Challenge to schools both before and after the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse.
Designed specifically for students in 3rd through 8th grades, our unique program includes four hands-on stations with gamified digital experiences that participants can move through at their own pace.
Read more in our blog post here
With the support of the Simons Foundation, the Science Mill Mobile Eclipse Van served 24 sites across Texas and 5200 students
Museum Impact
“The students shared their thoughts about the field trip and I found it most interesting that every aspect of the Science Mill was mentioned at least once as being someone’s ‘favorite thing!’ I thought you might enjoy hearing a few quotes:
“I learned a lot about engineering and robotics. I would love to do that when I grow up…”
“I learned a lot about STEM, and it even made me think of a career as a scientist…”
“The trip was an amazing experience. It really inspired me to research coding…”
“Trips like these are just a small piece of what will make us who we are in the future…”
–Middle school teacher & students
“The exhibits are so interactive, high-tech, and engaging. I am so glad to have such a wonderful place that gets the kids involved in learning.”
– High school teacher
STEM Career immersion Camp Impact
While many students join with little background in STEM, after a week of camp:
88% of campers feel more confident and excited for future STEM classes
89% of our campers believe they can be successful in a STEM career
96% of campers know more about STEM careers
“I learned so much and I’m confident in my future”
– Science Mill camper
“It's very fun and we do amazing activities!
You have freedom to use your creativity so much!”
– Science Mill camper
“I learned ‘don’t give up’ and ‘remember to fail forward!’”
– Science Mill camper
Our camps include training and support for local Texas teachers:
100% of participating teachers believe they have the ability to shape the development of their students’ STEM identities
Teacher confidence in incorporating STEM careers into their curricula improved by 23%
“I learned a lot about being a facilitator and partner in learning, and the students learned so much about growth mindset, the engineering process and the importance of never quitting!”
– Science Mill teacher training participant
“STEM careers are where my students will succeed. The opportunity to work with their hands and demonstrate their abilities in ways that are experience-driven is geared toward their skill set.”
– Science Mill teacher training participant