Imagination Station and partners aim to tackle ‘summer slide’

        At a June 13 press conference, Imagination Station, along with its community partners, announced an initiative to help combat detrimental effects of “summer slide” on children’s academic progress. Research has shown that children who don’t engage in educational activities over the summer can experience a decline in academic skills, leading to significant setbacks when school resumes.
        Imagination Station is aiming to address this concern by providing a stimulating and inclusive environment for all kids to explore, discover, learn and have fun. Toward that end, the science center announced a partnership with Museums for All, a nationwide program dedicated to promoting regular museum visits and fostering lifelong museum-going habits for people of all backgrounds.
        Recognized as the flagship access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), it is administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and provides reduced admission to people receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits.
        By joining forces with Museums for All, Imagination Station expands its efforts to stop summer slide and helps ensure that children have access to enriching educational experiences during summer break and beyond.
        As a member of the Museums for All network, Imagination Station will offer visitors $3 admission when presenting a SNAP/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to the valuable learning experiences available at the science center.
        Imagination Station officials lauded support from the City of Toledo Parks and Youth Services, Lucas County Board of Commissioners and Toledo Jet, with additional support from CN Railway and The McMaster Foundation for the Museums for All initiative.
        “Partnering with Museums for All is a wonderful opportunity for Imagination Station to open our doors to more families, enabling them to explore and learn together,” said Sloan Eberly Mann, director of educational advancement at the science center. “It also extends our commitment to keeping children engaged in meaningful educational experiences throughout the summer and beyond.”
        As part of Imagination Station’s ongoing efforts to provide equal access to all children, the science center offers a range of other programs designed to nurture creativity and critical thinking skills throughout the year. These programs include:
        • Scholarship programs: Imagination Station offers scholarships to children from under-resourced communities, ensuring they have the chance to participate in various enrichment programs, such as robotics, coding and arts.
        • Mobile learning labs: Imagination Station's Tinkering Van takes educational experiences directly to schools, libraries and community centers, reaching children who may not have the means to visit the science center. These labs provide hands-on activities, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning.
        “Columbia Gas and NiSource Charitable Foundation are proud to support Imagination Station. Together, we are investing in access to STEAM education and we’re proud to select their Toledo Tinkers 2.0 program as the inaugural recipient of our new Columbia Promise grant – a social justice and racial equity fund dedicated to moving under-served populations forward.” said Stephanie Merkle, community engagement manager at Columbia Gas and a NiSource Foundation board member.
        • Family membership subsidies: Imagination Station offers subsidies for memberships, making it more affordable for families to access the center's resources year-round. This encourages families to engage in frequent visits and participate in the diverse educational activities/programs offered.
        Visit maginationstationtoledo.org for more information.