Discovery Place, Inc.

Discovery Place, Inc., doing business as Charlotte Nature Museum, is a non-profit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that specializes in providing STEM educational programming and research-oriented initiatives. The organization focuses on engaging students and communities through innovative learning experiences, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a registered federal government contractor and grant recipient, Discovery Place, Inc. works primarily with federal agencies like NASA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to develop educational programs and digital learning platforms that serve diverse and underserved populations.

Through federal contract awards, Discovery Place, Inc. has secured cooperative agreements and research-focused contracts with NASA's Office of STEM Engagement. These contracts include the "NASA Community Space Stations" project, which aims to attract students to STEM fields by creating unique learning opportunities that connect students with NASA's mission. The contracts, which have no specific set-aside designations, involve developing educational programming that sparks interest in scientific exploration. The organization competes for these awards on merit, demonstrating its capability to design and implement sophisticated STEM engagement initiatives that align with federal agency objectives.

Discovery Place, Inc. has also been the recipient of federal grant awards that support innovative digital programming and community outreach. Notably, the organization received a $132,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to hire a Director of Digital Experiences, focusing on developing virtual STEM learning opportunities for underserved communities. This grant enabled the museum to create digital programming that centers content development around community needs, particularly in response to increased demand for virtual educational experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants have supported efforts to expand programming accessibility, develop digital platforms, and create adult and student-focused educational content that bridges gaps in traditional cultural and educational institutions.