In June, Thinkery announced plans to bring our joyful learning experiences to the Del Valle ISD community through the STEAM Learning Institute and a first-of-its-kind Thinkery neighborhood museum all housed at the Del Valle ISD Central Child Development Center. The Center is now open for the school year with Thinkery exhibits projected to be installed next year. This project is part of Thinkery’s strategic priority to work with community partners to equitably expand access to play-based, STEAM-learning experiences.
On December 18, Chris Rios, VP of Philanthropy and Community Impact for the Wells Fargo Foundation, presented a $100,000 check to Thinkery in support of our new neighborhood museum, Thinkery – Del Valle.
Wells Fargo has been a longtime supporter of Thinkery’s mission to equip and inspire ALL children to be confident, creative thinkers. And on December 18, they became one of the first leading sponsors of the new Thinkery – Del Valle. A testament to their commitment to community, environmental sustainability, and high-quality learning experiences for all, this $100,000 philanthropic investment will fund hands-on, play-based exhibits. The exhibits will incorporate environmental sustainability into the design, fabrication, and related educational programming.
“Wells Fargo has a long tradition of helping the communities in which we do business,” said Christopher Rios, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “We couldn’t think of supporting a better collaboration than between Thinkery and Del Valle ISD as they create a unique learning environment that will serve as an incubator for transformative learning for our youth and inspire children through the arts and science.”
Investing in thriving futures in Del Valle
For many children and their caregivers there are barriers to accessing Thinkery’s museum in Austin’s Mueller development, such as cost and transportation. By bringing joyful learning experiences directly to Del Valle, Thinkery is helping to reduce those barriers and close a community learning space gap, while creating more accessible opportunities for children to cultivate their love of learning.
“It is incredible to see Thinkery, Del Valle ISD, and Wells Fargo come together to bring meaningful learning experiences to our community,” said Council Member Vanessa Fuentes. “Education leads to healthy, thriving communities, and I am proud to support Thinkery and Del Valle ISD as they work together to create impactful joyful learning experiences for all.”
Thinkery – Del Valle is projected to be completed in August 2024 and will feature over 13,000 square feet of joyful learning space, including a maker space, indoor learning lab, and 30 hands-on, play-based exhibits. We aim to have the museum freely available to the Del Valle ISD community outside of the school day, which will only be possible through philanthropic support, like this generous donation made by Wells Fargo.
We are so grateful for Wells Fargo’s investment in Thinkery – Del Valle. Together, we are creating a space of joyful learning for ALL!
For more information on how you can support Thinkery – Del Valle, contact Thinkery’s Chief Campaign Officer Shaleiah Fox.