Michigan Science Center gets $1.4M donation from Toyota

As an adult, it’s been a goal of mine to venture back to the Michigan Science Center. The center has always been praised for its hands-on educational activities and exhibits, and it’s impossible for visiting students there to interactively learn.  Now the MiSci can take those hands-on experiences to the next level.

Toyota’s North American division is donating $1.44 million to the canter, which will be used to transform and upgrade the unique Toyota Engineering Theatre (TET). The Theatre is known for its 4D multi-media engaging experience of the Engineering world.

Donations are crucial for the MiSci’s continuing operations. Because the center is a 501c3 nonprofit, it doesn’t receive money from the state.

For the last decade, the TET hosted over 94,000 visitors of all ages. The MiSci is additionally developing a new educational programming for teachers and students to connect with the conjunction of the TET. Updating the TET is vital because of the evolving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) industry.

“It’s critical to foster innovative thinking at a young age,” said Toyota Technical Center Senior Vice President Jeff Makarewicz. “Developing that interest early on can create great opportunities not only for students but for the industry as well. We’re excited to make this donation, and for our continued partnership with the Michigan Science Center.”