The Discovery selected to join Cambio

The Discovery is proud to announce it has been chosen to join several museums as part of Cohort 3 of Cambio, a National Science Foundation-funded professional development project for informal learning institutions. The effort coincides with The Discovery’s current strategic plan goal to build understanding, trust, and relationships with the Spanish-speaking community in our region to increase interest and participation.

Informal science learning institutions have, for years, grappled with how better to engage with and support Latinx communities? With the impacts of the pandemic disproportionately affecting Latinx communities, and a racial reckoning that encourages museums to examine their current practices, it is imperative for museums to become more relevant and responsive to their local Latinx community members.

Each year, Cambio welcomes a new cohort of museums to participate in its year-long professional development experience. In addition to The Discovery, Cambio’s third cohort includes the KidZone Museum, Space Center Houston, Butterfly Pavilion, and the Museum of Science, Boston.

The Discovery’s involvement with Cambio began with a two-day workshop in San Diego, CA. Following the kick-off, members of participating museums meet monthly via Zoom to share insights, offer guidance, and check in on individual initiatives related to Cambio’s vision. In 2025, museums from all cohorts will attend a summit to share the results of their efforts.

Cambio’s vision centers on encouraging organizations to shift their practices at all levels by examining the cultural dimensions and intersections of Latinx audiences, STEM, and organizational change. Believing that leaders reside at all levels within organizations, the program helps museum practitioners to explore how they might spark change in their role as individuals, within organizations, and in relationship with communities.