Fueling Great Futures Through STEM to deliver a transformative afterschool program rooted in hands-on exploration, creativity and discovery
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 14, 2025) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) and the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) are proud to announce a first-of-its-kind partnership to bring immersive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning and life-enriching experiences to youth aged 9 – 11. The Fueling Great Futures Through STEM afterschool program will combine the strengths of two community pillars in education and youth development to deliver a transformative initiative rooted in hands-on exploration, creativity and discovery.
The afterschool schedule includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) design challenges in the Museum’s Makerspace; outdoor activities in the Museum’s Science Park, Food Forest and Nature Explore: Outdoor Exhibit; quarterly excursions; a showcase of youth-created projects at the Museum’s annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival; and exclusive exhibit exploration after the Museum closes to the public.
Generously supported by Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, with in-kind contributions from UKG, this innovative collaboration reflects a shared commitment to inspiring curiosity, building resilience and preparing today’s youth for a thriving future.
“Fueling Great Futures Through STEM is more than a program – it’s a promise,” said Chris Gentile, co-CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. “Through this exciting new partnership with MODS, we’re expanding what’s possible for our kids by combining the trusted support of Boys & Girls Clubs with the innovative, hands-on learning environment of MODS. This collaboration ensures that every child who walks through these doors can dream bigger, explore boldly and build the skills they need for a brighter tomorrow.”
Guided by BGCBC’s Four Pillars of Impact – Academic Success, Character & Leadership, Health & Well-being and Life & Workforce Readiness – the partnership offers an enriching blend of science education, cultural exploration and skill-building opportunities tailored specifically for upper elementary-aged students.
“By partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, we are ensuring that children from all backgrounds have room to grow and expand their horizons by engaging in STEM-based activities in meaningful, creative and impactful ways,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science. “By connecting young minds to inspiring science, we are nurturing foundational skills that will prepare our future leaders for success in the workforce, help shape our world and fuel innovation.”
Key components of the school year-long program Include:
- STEM Learning Experiences led by MODS’ educators through interactive demonstrations, creative projects and youth-designed innovations.
- Monthly Enrichment Activities such as IMAX® films, live science theater shows, hands-on cooking classes, simulator rides, Geodome planetarium explorations and tinkering in the Makerspace.
- Dynamic Hands-On projects developed over the course of the year, culminating in community showcases at public events hosted by both MODS and BGCBC.
- Family Engagement Opportunities, including free MODS admission and special programs for participating families.
- Essential Life Skills & Learning Workshops in areas such as money management and banking, first aid, chess, letter writing and public speaking.
Importantly, this program extends vital learning opportunities to youth in the community who may not have previously had access or exposure to experiences like these. Through this initiative, more children will be introduced to innovative STEM education, cultural enrichment and life-skills development that can shape their future pathways and open doors to new possibilities.
The program will operate at MODS Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. during the Broward County Public Schools year of August-June, with additional hours on Early Release and Teacher Planning days.
The participation fee for qualifying families will be $15 per child, per year. For more information, please visit bgcbc.org/mods-partnership.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, is a dynamic, youth development organization dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for young people in Broward County, Florida. Since 1965, we have been at the forefront of youth development, working to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Our 18 Broward County Club facilities serve over 2,000 youth ages 6-18, daily, via our programs, personal growth roadmaps and career development initiatives. BGCBC offers a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of our local youth. For more information visit bgcbc.org.
About the Museum of Discovery and Science
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.
The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).
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Learners collaborate on creative building projects using colorful STEM construction materials – an engaging activity
that encourages critical thinking and teamwork.
Learners explore educational games during a computer lab session,
building foundational skills in logic, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
A learner focuses on a hands-on art project, one of many enrichment activities designed
to spark imagination and self-expression.
Photos courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County