ST. LOUIS, MO — Engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell announces it will donate over $1 million over three years to support science centers, including the Saint Louis Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and The Works Museum in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Through interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and learning programs that go beyond textbooks, these organizations offer students of all backgrounds the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The donations are funded by the Burns & McDonnell Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Burns & McDonnell. Driven and funded by the firm’s employee-owners, the foundation invests in programs and initiatives that inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, cultivate vibrant and healthy communities, and advance civic initiatives through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations.
“Investing in science centers is about more than exhibits, it’s about sparking curiosity, expanding access, and opening doors,” said Leslie M. Duke, Chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell. “Our foundation supports these spaces because they bring STEM to life for young people, especially those who might not see themselves in these careers, even though we know they belong there.”
The Youth Exploring Science (YES) program at the Saint Louis Science Center will receive $250,000 to enhance the program, which supports students from underserved or traditionally underrepresented communities in STEM throughout their high school years, helping them build the knowledge and experience needed for in-demand STEM jobs.
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“This donation will allow us to deepen the impact of our YES initiative,” said Dr. Ray Vandiver, President and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. “By giving teens access to real-world skills, we’re not just teaching STEM, but we are empowering students to see themselves as future engineers, innovators, and leaders in their communities.”
A new interactive exhibit highlighting the impact of engineering is also planned for The Works Museum, made possible by a $350,000 donation. The museum welcomes 55,000 children and their families each year through hands-on exhibits, field trips, family programs, and camps focusing on inspiring the next generation of innovators, creative problem solvers, and engineers.
“Engineering is everywhere — shaping how we live, work, and solve problems,” said Jill Measells, CEO of The Works Museum. “Thanks to the support of the Burns & McDonnell Foundation, we’re excited to create a new, hands-on experience that helps kids discover how engineering plays a role in everything they do, and that everyone engineers.”
