Celebrating 1 Year of The Education Center

In August, we celebrated one year since the grand opening of our 3,700 sq. ft. Education Center, a milestone for STEM education at Adventure Science Center. In that time, the Education Center has served over 8,000 learners, provided space for expanded program offerings, and set the stage to reach hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and families over the next decade. 

The Education Center was built not only to improve program quality and increase capacity, but also to address resource gaps in STEM education across the region. One year in, the numbers showcase the impact of this investment. 

A Look at the Numbers 

• 1,984 students participated in 83 labs, a 17% increase in students served, and a 24% increase in programs offered over the previous year. 

• 1,104 campers served over the course of 71 camp days, including four weeks of our first-ever in-depth STEM camps built specifically for middle schoolers. 

• 118 high school girls attended TWISTER, our annual Tennessee Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research conference. 
• 57 Youth CR3W students logged more than 3,309 hours in robotics labs, professional development, volunteerism, and specialized training. 

These milestones would not have been possible without support from our lead sponsor Advance Financial Foundation, whose focus on advancing education made this partnership a natural fit. Their support helps expand STEM programming for thousands in our community and across Middle Tennessee.

Increased Access 

The Education Center’s added space and technological capacity didn't just increase headcount; it let us expand who our programs serve. 

Since the Education Center opened, camp capacity grew to 1,660 registrations annually, a 46.5% increase. For the first time, summer camps now include specialty offerings for grades 6 through 8, providing advanced STEM learning opportunities. Small class sizes keep the experience hands-on, giving students direct, one-on-one time with visiting STEM professionals and partner organizations. 

We also added four new high school-specific science labs aligned with Tennessee curricular standards, a 50% increase from the year before. Extending programming beyond K-5th grade was one of the Education Center's major goals, and these new high school labs have provided significant progress toward it. 

TWISTER's Biggest Year Yet 

Our 2026 TWISTER conference hosted 118 high school girls interested in STEM pathways along with 61 women working in STEM careers who served as volunteers, panelists, content experts, and presenters to share their passion and knowledge with the next generation. This is the largest number of participants the program has seen in its 24-year history, as well as the most breakout sessions offered. This was only possible due to the increased capacity of the Education Center. 

Students are noticing the impact, too. Participants shared that they “love opportunities that [they] can’t find at school” and appreciate “thought-out, invested programs like TWISTER.” They have also recognized the program’s growth over time, with one student noting, “This year was my fourth year at TWISTER, and seeing how it has changed and solidified has been great!  

Impactful Partnerships 

The Education Center was made possible thanks to generous support from Advance Financial Foundation, Dettwiller Foundation, HCA Healthcare, HCA Healthcare Foundation, Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation, Fox Family Charitable Trust, Enterprise Solutions, Truist Foundation, and Carolyn Smith Foundation, whose commitment to STEM educational opportunities is helping fuel the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.