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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Hello all.

I must admit that I have been lurking on this listserve for some time now,
and I've picked up some valuable information.

I would value any/all opinions concerning this issue....

The Pioneer Ridge Science Education Center (PRSC) opened its doors three
years ago.  It is a small center (7000 sq ft) located adjacent to our district's
sixth-grade center.  The population of our school district is 11,000 students
and is a suburb of Kansas City, MO.

PRSC is completely owned and operated by the Independence School District.
As Director, my only job requirement was to "bring bodies to this center."
Needless to say, I've had a virtually free canvas from which to work.

Since the initial Director has retired after the first year of operation, I
have been the sole occupant of this facility.  I must admit, my numbers will
appear small compared to most of you, but my percentage of growth is through the
roof!  Since September 2002, PRSC has exhibited a 400% growth rate in overall
patronage (from 3,000 visitors in 2001-2002 to nearly 12,000 during this
academic year).  My afterschool programs are boasting an 800% growth rate (from
approximately 50 per show to an average of nearly 400 at the present time).
Since I have employed the use of various organizations throughout our community,
volunteers have not been an issue to assist in the afterschool programs.

Nearly half of my patronage is comprised of classrooms during the academic
day.  We have gone from approximately 10 activities that could be conducted
during the former Director's reign, to nearly 250 activities to choose from, each
being grade-specific and directly linked to our state's competencies.

I have been looking for an organization that is similar to this institution.
Is anyone out there?

I have attempted to work with a neighboring informal science institution;
however, from personal communications with their programming director,  they "do
not deal with small programs" such as mine.

I am far from floundering in this position, I am merely looking for anyone
out there who might provide some insight as to how I might take PRSC to the next
level.  I would like to collaborate with community organizations to hire
additional staff, link our 40 acre outdoor program with conservation officials,
expand my afterschool programs and entrench myself with business leaders in our
community.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank all of you for your
"informal" assistance this past year!!!  I would be happy to share some of my insights
and success stories I have achieved from this position with anyone that is
interested.

Scott McQuerry
Director
Pioneer Ridge Science Education Center
1656 South Speck Road
Independence, MO 64057
816.796.4890
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