$25,000 Jacobs Wellington Foundation grant renews Cox STEM partnership
- Patricia Johnson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
![Children watch a live science demonstration at the Cox Science Center. [Photo by Cox Science Center & Aquarium]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5580e_0bafd489d143424ea76a2f62f76a02da~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/a5580e_0bafd489d143424ea76a2f62f76a02da~mv2.jpg)
The Jacobs Wellington Foundation and the Cox Science Center & Aquarium are celebrating six years of partnership dedicated to expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education opportunities in the Wellington area.
The foundation recently awarded a $25,000 grant to support the Cox Science Center’s STEM Passport program, which will provide approximately 500 elementary and middle school students with hands-on learning experiences in the 2026-27 school year. Since the partnership began, more than 3,000 students have participated in the program.
![A student designs and builds a LEGO engineering project during a STEM activity at the Cox Science Center. [Photo by Cox Science Center & Aquarium]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5580e_7736bbdd9b184769a653be301a896567~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_155,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/a5580e_7736bbdd9b184769a653be301a896567~mv2.jpg)
STEM Passport combines classroom visits by Cox educators with field trips to the center. The program covers all transportation and participation costs, so schools can offer immersive STEM experiences free.
“Education remains one of the foundation’s core priorities, and we are proud to continue supporting opportunities that inspire learning and curiosity among Wellington students,” says Charlie Jacobs, the president and director of the Jacobs Wellington Foundation. “For six years, this partnership has helped connect thousands of young people with hands-on STEM experiences that complement classroom learning and encourage future success.”
![Students explore robotics and engineering concepts during hands-on STEM activities. [Photo by Cox Science Center & Aquarium]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5580e_e7f05668ddfd40c4b232e7211b1198fb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/a5580e_e7f05668ddfd40c4b232e7211b1198fb~mv2.jpg)
Each participant receives more than five hours of programming in the classroom and at the center to strengthen critical-thinking, problem-solving and scientific-inquiry skills.
“For many students, STEM Passport provides a first opportunity to experience science in an interactive, hands-on environment,” says Carla Duhaney, the chief experience and education officer for the Cox Science Center & Aquarium. “The Jacobs Wellington Foundation’s ongoing support has helped us create meaningful STEM learning opportunities for thousands of Wellington students while removing barriers.”
![A young visitor gets an up-close look at a juvenile alligator during an animal encounter. [Photo by Cox Science Center & Aquarium]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5580e_0ee5193db94f478eab3e982d99cf955b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_61,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/a5580e_0ee5193db94f478eab3e982d99cf955b~mv2.png)
The partnership continues as the Cox Science Center & Aquarium prepares for a major expansion, expected to be completed in 2027. By doubling its footprint, the center will significantly increase its capacity to serve students, educators and families in Palm Beach County with expanded exhibits, classrooms and programming.
Foundation leaders say the renewed investment reflects a shared commitment to fostering curiosity and preparing students with the skills for academic and career success through accessible, hands-on STEM education.
