Join the Director's Circle
About the Director’s Circle
We invite you to join the Director’s Circle and support our work in Transforming K-12 Education through Science, in collaboration with communities across the globe.
The Director’s Circle is a community of supporters who are dedicated to connecting classrooms around the world with the science, history, research, and culture of the Smithsonian. Annual support from individuals in the Director’s Circle allows the Smithsonian Science Education Center to:
- Create high-quality, award-winning classroom science curriculum and a free library of STEM digital games, videos, simulations, and e-books for K-12 educators and students.
- Lead programs and develop resources for schools and school districts to ensure that all students and teachers are included in STEM opportunities and recognize themselves in STEM.
- Advance K-12 science education for a more sustainable future.
As advocates for STEM and science education, Director’s Circle members receive special opportunities to engage with Smithsonian Science Education Center leaders, insider updates, and gain unique experiences across the Smithsonian. Learn more about other Director’s Circle benefits below:
Sustainer - $1,000
- Welcome gift
- Name listed in the Director's Circle Registry
- Recognition in the Smithsonian Science Education Center Annual Report
- Bi-annual insider updates from Smithsonian Science Education Center Lapp-Keiser Director
- Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City
- 20% discount in the Smithsonian Museum Stores and at SmithsonianStore.com*
Champion - $2,500
All prior benefits, plus:
- Recognition in the Smithsonian Annual Report
- Acknowledgement in the Smithsonian Science Education Center newsletter upon joining
- Invitation for two to the Annual Smithsonian Weekend, including an elegant reception in a prominent Smithsonian venue and a keynote presentation in Washington, D.C.
Beacon - $5,000
All prior benefits, plus:
- Back to school gift
- Invitations to attend Smithsonian Science Education Center programming, including virtual and in-person programs
Catalyst - $10,000
All prior benefits, plus:
- Invitation to the Smithsonian Science Education Center Leadership Dinner during the Annual Smithsonian Weekend
- Invitations to exclusive events featuring Smithsonian exhibits
- Opportunity to receive a virtual classroom visit from Smithsonian Science Education Center staff to a school in your community
Leader- $25,000+
All prior benefits, plus:
- Advanced registration and recognition at Smithsonian Science Education Center hosted events
- Access to custom arranged tours of Smithsonian museums and collections during your visits to Washington, D.C.
- Annual virtual briefing and Q&A with Smithsonian Science Education Center leadership
Director’s Circle Members
- Elaine Thibodeau
- Howard and Fredericka Stevenson
- Jane & Phil Skuta
- John Roll
- Susan Bardenhagen
- Sybil Wellstood
- Kristin Richardson
*Discount can only be applied on purchases up to $200