Cosi will undertake a needs assessment to establish the foundation for research collaborations that will advance the understanding of designing and implementing intensive stem-based youth programs

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), doing business as Franklin County Historical Society, received a $749,991 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312) on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. The primary product of this award is a comprehensive needs assessment designed to establish the foundation for future research collaborations that will advance understanding of how to design and implement intensive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-based youth programs in museum settings.

The needs assessment will examine the spectrum of museum-based youth programs to identify their presence, goals, outcomes measurement practices, and collaborative research opportunities. COSI will conduct research involving multiple stakeholder groups—including researchers, program designers, practitioners, museum leaders, program participants, and program alumni/ae—to gather both leadership direction and data. The project deliverables will benefit the broader field by generating findings and guidance for future research and collaborative initiatives that can be adapted and replicated across museums and STEM education institutions, consistent with the National Leadership Grants program's emphasis on creating far-reaching impact and advancing practice within the museum profession.

Examining the spectrum of museum-based youth programs, the study seeks to identify their presence and goals, the outcomes they measure, collaborative research opportunities, existing communication/collaboration relationships, and stakeholder perspectives. Researchers, program designers, practitioners, museum leaders, and program participants and alumnae/i will serve as sources for both leadership and data. These different groups also benefit from the project by gaining direction for future research and collaboration.