Westar Energy Supports Family STEAM Nights

On April 3, Westar Energy presented a check for $14,804 to The Kansas Children's Discovery Center to support making the museum accessible for local families.

Family STEAM Nights invite children from the Topeka Rescue Mission, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka, Manhattan and Lawrence, and Boys and Girls Club of Topeka to come to the museum with their caregivers or mentors at no cost to their families. Participants enjoy educational play in KCDC’s nine permanent exhibits and 4.5 acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Special programs designed by KCDC educators help children explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) goals. Participants also share a meal together during their time at KCDC. Family STEAM Nights brought a total of 233 participants to KCDC in April.

Westar Energy has provided grant funding to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center to make eight of these nights possible over the course of the next year, in addition to sponsorship of KCDC’s Enchanted Evening Gala, a fundraiser to support all KCDC programs. The grant enables the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center to pursue its goal of being accessible to everyone and gives children the opportunity to participate in high quality STEAM learning opportunities with family or a mentor at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

Westar Energy Foundation has been a long-time supporter of KCDC Cares programs. Since its inception in 1990, the Westar Energy Foundation has awarded more than $20 million to civic and charitable organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Kansans.