Kearney Area Children’s Museum, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney Area Children’s Museum has been selected as one of just 20 children’s museums nationwide to receive funding through a STEM education initiative supported by Cummins Inc. and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).
This $10,000 investment will expand hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming in Kearney and central Nebraska, creating new opportunities for children to explore, experiment, and build the skills they need to become the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
This initiative supports Cummins READY™, the company’s global education strategy to advance high-quality, equitable STEM education for everyone—from early childhood through adulthood. Cummins READY™ has a goal to help at least one million learners and workers get on a pathway to education and career success by 2030.
“Research shows that 92% of boys and 97% of girls will lose interest in STEM if they are not immersed in these subjects before fifth grade,” said Danette Howard, PhD, Global Director of Education and Corporate Responsibility at Cummins Inc. “By partnering with children’s museums—trusted community resources where families already gather—we can reach children during the critical early years when STEM attitudes are formed and help ensure that every child, regardless of their background, can see themselves in STEM careers.”
“Hands-on STEM experiences spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children,” said Janell Brown, Executive Director of Kearney Area Children’s Museum. “This partnership with Cummins allows us to expand those experiences even further, reaching more children and families across Kearney and central Nebraska and giving every child the chance to see themselves as a future scientist, engineer, or innovator.”
This funding will directly support opportunities for local classrooms, including field trips, outreach programming, and interactive learning experiences designed to complement school curriculum and reinforce key STEM concepts. KACM is dedicating a portion of these funds to provide Museum on the Move visits and field trip experiences for Title I schools, helping ensure all students have access to engaging, high-quality STEM education regardless of financial barriers.
In addition, the museum will offer mini-STEM camps during Kearney Public Schools Spring Break, a Science Fair June 29–July 2, and ongoing STEM pop-up cart activities within the museum, providing extended learning opportunities for students outside the classroom. KACM has also hosted STEM Free Family Fun Nights, encouraging family engagement and reinforcing learning beyond the school day.
For more information, please reach out to Brie Meseure at brie@kearneychildrensmuseum.org or 308.698.2228 ext. 3. Visitors interested in participating in Kearney Area Children Museum’s STEM programming can visit www.kearneychildrensmuseum.org / call 308.698.2228 / visit the museum at 5827 4th Avenue, Kearney, NE 68845.
About Kearney Area Children’s Museum
The Kearney Area Children’s Museum (KACM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring early discovery, exploration, and lifelong learning through play-based, interactive experiences. Featuring more than 20 hands-on exhibits, including an art studio, science center, train depot, grocery store, bank, fire station, and agriculture area. KACM invites children and families to explore, build, and learn at their own pace. The museum has received multiple community honors, including several Best of Kearney Awards, and maintains strong partnerships with local organizations such as Head Start, Kearney Community Learning Center, Kearney Cultural Partners, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. As a member of the Association of Children’s Museums and the American Alliance of Museums, KACM is committed to best practices in education and engagement. Supported by community donations, volunteers, and partnerships, the museum plays a vital role in enriching children’s development while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the Kearney community.
About the Association of Children’s Museums
Started in 1962, the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) is a nonprofit membership organization working with and on behalf of children’s museums worldwide. With more than 500 members in 50 states and 13 countries reaching more than 35,000 children’s museum professionals who collectively serve over 40 million visitors annually, ACM champions children’s museums and together enriches the lives of children worldwide. ACM’s vision is a world that prioritizes the rights of all children to playful learning and a healthy, safe, and equitable future. Learn more at ChildrensMuseums.org.
About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is committed to powering a more prosperous world. Since 1919, we have delivered innovative solutions that move people, goods and economies forward. Our five business segments—Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera™ by Cummins—offer a broad portfolio, including advanced diesel, alternative fuel, electric and hybrid powertrains; integrated power generation systems; critical components such as aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls, transmissions, axles and brakes; and zero-emissions technologies like battery and electric powertrain systems and electrolyzers. With a global footprint, deep technical expertise and an extensive service network, we deliver dependable, cutting-edge solutions tailored to our customers’ needs, supporting them through the energy transition with our Destination Zero strategy. We create value for customers, investors and employees and strengthen communities through our corporate responsibility global priorities: education, equity and environment. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide and earned $3.9 billion on $34.1 billion in sales in 2024. Learn more at www.cummins.com.
