Leonardo's Receives Funds Through Impact Partnership Grant and ERDA

Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA) is honored to support Leonardo’s Children’s Museum with funds from the Impact Partnership Grant (IPG), furthering the museum’s mission to provide exceptional STEM educational programs. These funds will augment Leonardo’s ongoing efforts to create unforgettable adventures for young participants with a focus on drones, wind, rockets, aviation, weather, aeronautics, and space.

One standout program, Drone Legends, equips students with essential skills as they embark on ten-drone themed missions. These missions encourage students to work collaboratively, solve real-world problems, and embrace the power of resilience. Throughout the program, students will have the unique opportunity to meet real drone pilots and explore exciting career opportunities in the field of drone technology.

The IPG funds have been utilized to enhance the Drone Legends program and renew other related STEM initiatives. Among these, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum has used the grant funds to replace broken rockets and other equipment, ensuring the continuity of their exciting rocket program. Additionally, new curriculum materials have been purchased to further enrich the STEM lessons offered.

“The sky truly is the limit for the children walking through the doors of Leonardo’s Children’s Museum,” said ERDA Executive Director Marcie Mack. “With the help of this grant, the sky just got brighter for our young learners.”

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum remains committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders through hands-on, interactive educational experiences. This grant marks a significant step forward in their mission to make STEM education accessible and engaging for all.

ERDA was awarded the Impact Partnership Grant in 2022 to create awareness of aviation-related careers and educational pathways for aviation, aerospace, and defense related careers with a focus on reaching PK-12 through postsecondary students. Connecting the students to aviation-related education and training opportunities in Enid enhances the workforce pipeline and supports continued growth in the aviation sector, the second largest industry in the state of Oklahoma.

For more information about Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and its programs, please visit https://www.leonardos.org/ or contact Executive Director Charlet Ringwald at 580.233.2787.

Leonardo's Children's Museum Board of Directors with ERDA Executive Director Marcie Mack	Charlet Ringwald, Executive Director of Leonardo's Children's Museum	Board Members
Alex Johnson, Program & Event Manager and Riley Janzen, Director of Experience and Engagement with ERDA Executive Director Marcie Mack	Rocket Kits from Pitsco Education	Exploring Flight Kits from Pitsco Education