Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated

Build a more equitable and sustainable future - -programs that support members to prepare and lead with their communities - builds capacity among science and technology Centers and museums and allied organizations for leading with their communities on critical issues of science and technology. Through largely grant-supported efforts, astc develops and deploys programs to understand and scale new approaches to public engagement in science and informal science learning among our members. Astc also invests in research to help our members recognize and act on market and societal trends affecting their businesses and their communities. -advance equitable engagement in science and technology - brings together institutions rich in science, technology, engineering, and math (stem) that serve diverse communities around the globe, and that recognize that diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and equity are paramount values. Invests in action for the field in support of these values including our diversity and leadership development fellows program, collaborative support of the cultural competence learning institute, and multiple programs focused on broadening participation in our field and in stem around the world. Helps astc members through these equity and diversity programs to become more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible institutions, with an aim to increase the diversity of those who visit and work in museums; stem; and ensure these place-based institutions remain relevant to the communities they serve and supportive of the goals and priorities of those communities.

Champion and support science engagement - -advocacy and public relations - advances the interests of science Centers, informal science learning, and science and technology research and engagement broadly within the u.s. federal government. Encourages museum visitorship through public relations efforts and a reciprocal free admission program. -public awareness and stakeholder engagement - conducts outreach to north american and international research, business, technology, and education organizations to position the science museum field as a potential partner for connecting the public to science and its relationship to global issues. -collaborating across the science-engagement ecosystem - supports a growing network of leaders in science and technology engagement networks to foster a more robust ecosystem of organizations who are engaging the public in stem. -international network and member collaborations - works with national and regional science center networks outside of the united states to support science Centers and museums worldwide.

Strenghen members and their capacity - -astcs annual conference - hosts one of the premier professional-development opportunities for the global science-center community, where, each year, 1,500 to 2,000 individuals representing science Centers and museums from across the world, informal science educators, and companies collaborating with the museum field gather. Offers general sessions, concurrent sessions, and other activities and events at this annual convening. -publications and communities of practice - keeps members apprised of trends, practices, perspectives, and news of significance to the science-museum field through a digital magazine and other publications. Provides resources, timely information and online communities and forums that promote the sharing of successful practices through online communities of practice. -workshops, webinars, and other convenings - provides learning and networking opportunities for museum and science engagement professionals on a range of topics. -research services - tracks and analyzes trends and compiles data, information, and statistics for the science museum field.

Legacy projects -legacy projects represent multi-year funded projects that astc does not anticipate continuing. While these projects advance astc's mission and support our work with our members, they may not fall into one of astc's new strategic pillars.