$400,000 Ford Motor Company Fund Donation Continues to Support the Michigan Science Center

DETROIT, Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company Fund continues to drive home the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through its ongoing support of the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) with substantial contributions. In late 2013, MiSci received $100,000 from the Fund, the second installment of Ford's larger commitment to contribute a total of $400,000 to the museum over a three-year period.

The significant donation aligns with the Fund's goal to aid nonprofits working in innovation, education and community life capacities and helps MiSci fulfill its mission to inspire children and their families from across the state to explore and appreciate STEM in a vibrant learning environment. MiSci has been able to put the contributions toward enhancing its interactive activities, community outreach programs, traveling exhibit opportunities and more, with the aim to engage and nurture Michigan's next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

"We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from the Ford Motor Company Fund. Its continued support of the Michigan Science Center is greatly appreciated by not only museum staff and members, but everyone in the community," said Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. "These contributions enable us to continue to reach out and provide children and their families with unique science experiences that encourage a greater interest in STEM education – an integral component to boosting Detroit's and Michigan's economies."

In addition to assisting the Science Center with its existing exhibits and activities, Ford Motor Company Fund was one of the major donors that helped MiSci open its doors in December 2012, through its initial $200,000 donation. Additionally, Ford was a founding sponsor of the 2013 MiSci gala donating $50,000. In order to make an even larger impact on daily happenings at the Science Center, Raj Nair, group vice president of Global Product Development at Ford Motor Co. has extended this commitment by participating as a member of the museum's board of directors.

"Michigan Science Center is a great place for students and families to explore how science and technology impacts and improves our lives," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. "At Ford we understand that our future depends on engaging and effective educational opportunities for the next generation."

About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires children and their families to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan's largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systemes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kids Town just for pint-size scientists; and education and outreach programs.

For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, http://www.michigansciencecenter.org.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in 30 countries. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.

SOURCE Michigan Science Center