Opening Doors to Possibility in Your Neighborhood

December 11, 2024

Amy Zarlengo

In December 2023, King County Council unanimously approved Doors Open, a new levy to increase funding to science, arts, heritage, and historic preservation non-profits in King County. Doors Open marks the creation of 4Culture’s Science + Technology Department, and the county’s first ongoing funding opportunity for science organizations like PacSci.

This is truly a moment for community celebration!

4Culture just announced the first round of funding through this transformational program. PacSci is among the grantees and we’re incredibly grateful to the King County Council, Executive Dow Constantine, 4Culture, and residents of King County for this support.

“PacSci goes far and above providing scientific education,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “They give each visitor a key to explore both the world and their own curiosity, opening doors to learning, growth, and the future. I couldn’t be more delighted that, after over a decade of working with organizations like PacSci to establish a cultural access program in King County, we have finally passed and put into action Doors Open, a transformative levy that will support and expand access to the life-changing experiences like PacSci offers.”

As PacSci seeks to expand our service in the community, this funding makes a big difference to the King County residents we serve.

Where You Live Impacts Your Future Possibilities

Where you live isn’t just your address, it’s the foundation of your opportunities. Your neighborhood influences everything from health outcomes to education and more, which means where you live can shape your potential to climb the economic ladder.

The King County Communities of Opportunity (COO) Composite Index is a tool developed by Seattle Foundation and King County to assess disparities in health and well-being across King County. Established in 2012, the index combines various indicators—including life expectancy, obesity rates, smoking prevalence, diabetes incidence, mental distress frequency, poverty levels, housing conditions, employment status, and insurance coverage—to provide a comprehensive view of community health and well-being.

The index ranks areas within King County into quintiles, with the highest quintile (top 20%) representing regions facing the most significant challenges. This ranking approach is strengths-based, highlighting areas where there are the greatest opportunities to close existing gaps.

Bringing STEM Learning Where It’s Needed Most

One of the many great successes of Doors Open is a focus on fostering cultural organizations that are located outside of existing cultural centers in Downtown Seattle.

While our Seattle Center campus is located in a culture hub, we couldn’t agree more about the importance of programming out in the community, especially those most impacted by inequities. At PacSci, we believe science is for everyone and strive to enable access for all – and that means bringing what we do to you.

PacSci’s outreach programs bring STEM learning into schools and community centers in every King County district, inspiring discovery where people live, study, and work. Last year, Science on Wheels and Digital Discovery Workshops brought free programs to 19,681 King County students attending low-income schools or community centers. 69% were located outside of Seattle. 

Even more interesting, if we compare the schools and community centers we served against the Communities of Opportunity Composite Index, we can see that 82% were located in communities in the first quintile and second quintile on the COO Index.

This means PacSci’s free outreach programs are effectively reaching the King County communities most affected by inequities—neighborhoods where opportunities to hands-on STEM learning can make the biggest difference in the lives of youth.

One Science on Wheels teacher shared, “We have a high poverty student body who do[es] not have opportunities to visit museums or have science-related toys at home. This was delightful for them, they were SO excited.”

child and woman at an engineering exhibit — Young student learning about physics with Science on Wheels.

blue science on wheels electric van — Science on Wheels’ electric van that drives across WA.

Look for Us In Your Neighborhood School Or Community Center!

Want to bring hands-on STEM learning to your school or community center? Click here to learn more.

All of our work to bring hands-on STEM learning to communities across King County is only possible through the dedicated support of individuals, corporations, foundations, and government partners.

Thanks to our current supporters, we’ve reached tens of thousands of students across King County and Washington State. As an independent, not-for-profit institution, we’re incredibly grateful to be among the Doors Open grantees and are excited about what this funding, along with additional dedicated community support, will make possible across the community.

Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators—and make science accessible to all. 

Donate here! Gifts of all sizes strengthen PacSci’s vital role in championing science education, exploration, and creativity for everyone in our community. 

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about the author

Amy Zarlengo is fundraising professional, overseeing Pacific Science Center’s dedicated community of corporate, foundation, and government donors whose investments sustain PacSci’s mission to ignite curiosity.

Passionate about the role museums can play in supporting vibrant and resilient communities, Amy joined the Science Center to help grow philanthropic investments that enable access to STEM learning at the Science Center and in communities throughout Washington State. At the end of the workday, Amy enjoys adventuring outdoors, exploring museums, building elaborate forts, and cooking with her family.