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Science City Launches New Mobile PNC Discovery Lab, Part of Million Dollar PNC Grow Up Great Grant to Support Early Learning Programs in Underserved Communities

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The mobile PNC Discovery Lab is the culmination of a Grant Awarded to Science City from the PNC Foundation.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 30, 2025) – Today, Science City and PNC — along with preschoolers from the Growing Futures Early Education Center — unveiled and launched the new PNC Discovery Lab vehicle as part of a $1 million dollar PNC Grow Up Great® grant to support early learning education programs in underserved communities.

Announced in 2018, PNC Foundation awarded Science City the grant to support early education programs, including a new, purpose-built PNC Learning Lab inside the nearly 100,000-square-foot Science Center. That grant is now culminating with the unveiling of a PNC Discovery Lab vehicle, which will take early childhood education programming on the road to underserved communities, extending the reach of Science City to both sides of the state line.

“We are excited to continue extending Science City’s reach by taking dedicated early childhood programming on the road,” said George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO. “Our educators are creating more firsts by hitting the road to engage with our littlest learners and provide interactive programming to communities with transportation and costs challenge. We’ve seen first-hand the impacts of having the PNC Learning Lab in Science City — thanks to the PNC Foundation – that supports early childhood development. Since it opened in 2019, it’s provided Early Childhood Hands-On Science (ECHOS) curriculum training for Head Start educators, daily educator-led early learning programming, and open exploration for families to encourage early exploring.”

The PNC Discovery Lab will travel to early education centers — such as Head Start locations — and provide onsite programming by Science City educators. The Lab is spacious and fully equipped to deliver high-value, educator-led programming. Funding from the grant covered the vehicle’s cost, an exterior wrap, dedicated early childhood programming and three years’ worth of visits focusing on underserved communities and head start programs.

“Since opening the PNC Learning Lab in 2019, Science City has welcomed more than 1.3 million guests,” said Kyle Myers, PNC regional president for Kansas City. “We see the positive impact we’re having on the community from those who visit Science City in person. With the new, mobile PNC Discovery Lab, we can’t wait to see that impact extend into the community like never before.”

In 2020, Science City opened three new spaces dedicated to early learning – the biggest expansion in 20 years. The $7.6 million project included state-of-the-art, experiential exhibits totaling 13,000 square feet: Creative Corner, Let’s Play! and All Aboard. These three exhibits are part of the nearly 100,000 square feet of hands-on experience Science City offers.

 

  • Let’s Play!

Created for our youngest explorers – babies, crawlers, toddlers and their caregivers- this unique space is designed for developmental needs with multiple sensory and role-playing activities.

  • Creative Corner

Art meets science in a whole new way with a versatile, multisensory area designed for the entire family. Paint on glass and interact with sand and light tables to engage senses and stimulate minds.

  • All Aboard

Explore how steam engines work while we encourage play, exploration, observation and collaborative problem-solving in this train-centric space.

Since that 2020 grand opening, Science City has continued to focus on early childhood development programming with daily activities,  the annual PNC KidFEST event, and most recently, Week of Young Child, a week’s worth of events and activities sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association. This special week celebrates young children and their families with hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyle through music, food and art.

In total, Science City – powered by Burns & McDonnell — features over 300 interactive exhibits with lots of room to roam and explore. Internationally awarded and voted one of the top 25 Science Centers in the U.S., Science City is a family-favorite destination located in the heart of downtown Kansas City.

For schools and community organizations interested in booking the new “PNC Discovery Lab” for an onsite appearance, visit sciencecity.com

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About the PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

About Union Station Kansas City
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 115-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Known as Kansas City’s Visual Voice, the Station has been designated “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history.  Union Station is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular free Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions as was proud to host the 2015 Royals World Series Championship Parade/Rally and the 2020 and 2023 Chiefs Super Bowl Parades/Rallies plus the recent 2023 NFL Draft.  Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.

About Science City

Science City – Centrally located in the heart of Kansas City and part of the historic and acclaimed Union Station complex, Science City boasts more than 325 interactive and static exhibits covering nearly 100,000 sq. ft. of inside and outdoor space. Internationally awarded for “Visitor Experience” by ASTC and regionally awarded “Favorite Family Friendly Attraction” by Visit KC Visitors Choice Awards, Science City powered by Burns & McDonnell is named one of the country’s TOP 25 science centers. Annually, it educates and entertains hundreds of thousands of science-thirsty children of all ages. Kansas City’s Science Center is THE place for inquisitive young minds to create, explore, and experiment with the BIG world of science through hands-on learning and non-stop fun. Visit SCIENCECITY.COM for details.