In addition to its immersive, hands-on experiences, COSI’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs redefine what it means to be a science museum in 2025.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following a thorough nomination process and public voting, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has been named the #1 “Best Science Museum” and #3 “Best Planetarium” in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as the #1 ‘Best Science Museum’ in the country by USA TODAY for the fifth time,” said COSI President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley. “COSI offers much more than a traditional museum experience – we enhance STEAM literacy and ignite curiosity in young minds across the globe. This achievement underscores the profound impact of these initiatives in making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.”
COSI’s impact extends far beyond its walls, thanks to strategic partnerships with State Departments, U.S. Embassies, NASA, and the White House. Encompassing an evolving set of programs and initiatives, COSI’s STEAM Education Ecosystem delivers transformative science learning experiences to underserved communities across the U.S. and worldwide.
COSI and Dr. Bertley’s commitment to science literacy has resulted in nine Emmy® Awards for its innovative educational programming that promotes STEAM education. These include Dr. B in 3, an animated series that teaches science concepts in under five minutes, and QED with Dr. B., a public television show featuring engaging conversations with scientists and innovators.
Since its inception in 2020, the COSI Learning Lunchbox program – COSI’s award-winning initiative designed to advance STEAM education and appreciation in K-8 schools – has demonstrated remarkable reach and impact with nearly 400,000 boxes distributed to underserved youth in more than 40 states and seven countries. These distributions are paired with Digital STEAM Portals – video players featuring Dr. B in 3 content – to ensure children receive a comprehensive learning experience.
Furthermore, COSI’s Color of Science initiative invites the public to engage with remarkable STEAM professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing direct exposure to role models from underrepresented communities. By connecting the public with these leaders, the program expands awareness of STEAM career opportunities and empowers individuals from all backgrounds to pursue them.
COSI’s educational programs reach underserved communities nationwide through initiatives like the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPiC), which helps students explore intellectual property and entrepreneurship, and the award-winning COSI Science Festival, a four-day annual event celebrating STEAM in Ohio.
COSI’s impact extends globally through partnerships with the U.S. State Department, reaching students in India, Egypt, the Arctic, the Caribbean and beyond. This March, the EiPiC initiative will expand into Italy.
“Our goal as the nation’s top science museum is to cultivate a society that values STEAM literacy, beginning with inspiring young minds everywhere, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status,” concludes Bertley.
For more information on COSI, visit www.cosi.org.
About COSI
COSI, ranked “#1 Science Museum in the Country” for five years as voted by USA TODAY’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional, national and international communities, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.
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Dan Griffin
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SOURCE Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
