Studies show that, if engaged at an early age, students are more likely to pursue science in high school and college, potentially leading to careers in STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and math. This engagement is especially crucial for children from disadvantaged families, for whom the rapid growth of STEM-related careers provides an economic opportunity. Unfortunately, they also face even greater barriers to the STEM experiences necessary to open up these career paths. There is a documented and startling gap between the quality and availability of STEM courses at schools with a large population of low-income and minority students compared to those without. Title I schools are also less likely to offer field trips or other out-of-school enrichment opportunities as a result of focusing resources and instructional time on improving test outcomes. Providing a world-class institution for North Texas means not only ensuring that exhibits and programming stay on the cutting edge of new learning, but that the Perot Museum itself innovates in how we make those learning experiences available to the community.

Community Partners

Studies show that, if engaged early, students are more likely to pursue science in high school and college, potentially leading to careers in STEM fields.

This engagement is especially crucial for children from disadvantaged families, who often face significant barriers to STEM experiences that could open up promising career paths. The documented gap in the quality and availability of STEM courses at schools with a large population of low-income and minority students is a stark reality. Title I schools, in particular, struggle to offer field trips or other out-of-school enrichment opportunities due to resource constraints and a focus on improving test outcomes. The Community Partners program aims to bridge this gap and provide these families with the opportunities they deserve.

In response to this challenge, the Community Partners program expands access to the Museum by offering $1 general admission to families enrolled in state or federally-funded supplemental programs. The hands-on design of the exhibits uniquely positions the Museum to provide an educational, inclusive, and overall positive experience for families who may be exploring DFW’s cultural institutions and STEM topics for the first time. This initiative would not be possible without general operating support to allow the Museum to offer subsidized admission.

In 2021, the Museum launched an innovative expansion of the Community Partners program to provide full-year, full-access memberships to families who qualify for state or federal assistance through partnerships with more than 40 nonprofit organizations. These memberships encourage families to visit the Museum to embark on STEM adventures repeatedly. Memberships are distributed to families who qualify through partner organizations, such as For Oak Cliff, Uplift Education, North Texas Food Bank, the Mexican Consulate, and Catholic Charities. Community Partners’ families can enjoy unlimited visits, access to members-only programming, newsletter communications throughout the year, and much more. The Museum is changing the lives and futures of families all over North Texas.