Senator Tom Umberg (D – Santa Ana) announced today that he has successfully secured $10 million in state budget funds to assist the Discovery Science Center of Orange County. The funds will be utilized to assist the Science Center with the recent expansion and addition of new science exhibits and educational services.
“The Discovery Science Center of Orange County has been a tremendous success story in our community, serving almost half a million local school children and teachers last year,” said Senator Umberg, a member of the State Senate Budget Committee. “The funding is an important investment by the State of California toward Orange County’s continued effort to provide the children of our community an important education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I am excited that we could be of assistance and provide them the opportunity to further enhance their effort to reach even more students.”
“The Discovery Science Center of Orange County’s recent expansion allowed us to add an additional 44,000 square feet to our museum facility, thus allowing us to successfully add new hands-on permanent exhibits, themed science adventures, incentive programs, and learning spaces,” said Joe Adams, CEO of the facility. “The important state funds will also assist us in our effort to accommodate the expansion. We are very grateful for Senator Umberg’s assistance.”
The Discovery Science Center now provides hands-on science learning centers in Orange County, Los Angeles, and Newport Beach, California. Established in 1989, their Discovery Cube facility in Santa Ana, presented by Taco Bell, has inspired and educated millions of young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits. In 2012, the Cube was named one of the 10 “Most Trusted Brands” in Orange County and in 2013 was awarded the National Medal of service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services at The White House.
Senator Thomas J. Umberg represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Orange, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, and Westminster. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor, and small businessman. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.
Courtesy photo