Inviting the Big Kids to Play How Science Museums Are Engaging Millennials

Download or read book Inviting the Big Kids to Play How Science Museums Are Engaging Millennials written by Whitney A. Works and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Science museums are great resources for recreation, entertainment, and informal education, however many are commonly misunderstood as institutions solely for young children. Science museums aiming to alter this perception and remain relevant to a rapidly changing population must focus on the largest generation in American history, the millennial generation. This study investigates the current status of millennial engagement by science museums by uncovering organizationsa̲ program offerings, event development, challenges, audience feedback, and cultivation methods used to further cultivate attendees.Interviews with program directors at three large science museums in Philadelphia reveal that the majority of attracted millennials are college-educated young professionals. Despite this target group being very unpredictable, science museums are able to attract millennials successfully via off-site events and through appealing online relationships. Intended to serve as a guide for all science museums, this study concludes with recommendations for continued successful millennial engagement. Prescribed suggestions include crowdsourcing events details and utilizing local influential millennials as consultants and brand ambassadors.