The Virginia Living Museum has been awarded a transformative $99,947 grant from The Blocker Foundation, launching an immersive wildlife education initiative that will connect thousands of students with the museum’s groundbreaking new Wild Care Center.
The grant will fund an 18-month initiative to develop and implement innovative, standards-based science education programs targeting underserved students ages 11-18, with a focus on hands-on learning experiences and STEM career exploration.
“This generous support from The Blocker Foundation allows us to significantly expand our educational reach and create relevant, real life science experiences that will inspire the next generation of STEM professionals,” said Rebecca Kleinhample, Executive Director of the Virginia Living Museum.
Located along the Museum’s outdoor boardwalk trail, the cutting-edge Wild Care Center transforms the typical museum visit into an exhilarating journey into real animal healthcare. High school students won’t just observe—they’ll connect with professionals doing work they can actually imagine themselves pursuing! The center features:
- A comprehensive veterinary suite where students can observe medical procedures and check-ups performed on native Virginia species
- A specialized animal nutrition center that demonstrates the science behind species-specific diet formulation and preparation
- Custom-designed ambassador animal habitats that prioritize natural behaviors and emotional well-being through enrichment activities
The Museum will partner with Newport News Public Schools to pilot two key programs in the “Peninsula Living Science Staircase”:
- An expanded on-site science program for approximately 1,900 seventh-grade students, incorporating the Museum’s new Wild Care Center and Fossil Preparation Lab
- An exciting new high school program that will give Anatomy & Physiology students across seven Newport News high schools exclusive opportunities to interact directly with veterinary staff both in-person and through virtual sessions—potentially inspiring careers they never before considered possible!
Curriculum development will begin in early 2025, with implementation scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. The middle school program will launch in fall 2025, followed by the high school program in spring 2026.
For more information about the Virginia Living Museum and its educational programs, please visit thevlm.org or contact Rachel Riesbeck, Education Director at [email protected].
