April 13, 2023

A partnership between MarketBeat and Dakota State University will reimagine the space and technology floor of the Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Discovery Center.

The joint donation will fund new, modern exhibits as well as ongoing programming focused on STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, art and math.

“This partnership is the first of its kind in our community,” said Darrin Smith, the Pavilion’s president and CEO. “The support of DSU and MarketBeat will reinvigorate and reimagine what will now be known as the Space and Technology Floor.”

The two organizations exemplify “innovation and success,” which the Pavilion also strives for, he added.

In addition to transforming the exhibit “Space: An Out-of-This-World Experience,” the partnership will provide opportunities to engage DSU students and faculty in the creative and design process and exhibit fabrication, as well as hands-on interaction with kids through on-site educational programming.

“We strongly support educational efforts both formal and informal especially in STEAM,” DSU president Dr. José-Marie Griffiths  said. “We are grateful for this rare opportunity to extend and share our technology-focused mission through unique, interactive and fun exhibits in STEAM designed by our students, faculty and staff.”

Students and faculty already have started brainstorming on exhibits, she added, calling it “an energizing opportunity for DSU.”

One of the things MarketBeat values in its philanthropy is collaboration, which is exemplified by the partnership, said Matt Paulson, founder and CEO.

“Things cost a lot more money than they used to,” he said. “You need to find allies with a common mission to get things done, and I think that’s what we’ve done today.”

The goal is to create hands-on opportunities for children to explore space and technology in new and exciting ways, the organizations said. The new renovated floor will be an interactive adventure for elementary and middle school-age kids to learn about new developments in space exploration and engage with cutting-edge technology.

It complements the recently announced immersive water experience nearby, which is designed as a draw for the Pavilion’s youngest visitors.

The new Space & Technology Floor will be an interactive adventure for older kids. The goal is to inspire kids to pursue careers in STEM fields, Paulson said. He was inspired to pursue a degree in computer science at DSU.

“I’m hoping my kids have the same opportunity to be inspired,” he said, adding that he visits with his young daughter multiple times a month and loves the space floor, but “it’s showing a little bit of age now” and the hope is that in coming up with new exhibits that current space exploration can be featured.

“It’s a new space race, but it’s led by private industry now, and there’s so much going on it will be great to feature some of that in the exhibit,” he said. “We just look forward to seeing it come together.”

The total investment between the two sponsors is $375,000 to fund improvements as well as some ongoing programming support. Work will begin this year on the design of the exhibits, and installation will take place in 2024.  Details on specific exhibits will be announced later.

It also will complement what Smith said is estimated to be the most advanced planetarium in the United States when it opens later this summer. The CineDome will close for renovations early next month.