About
Our vision is to engage people of all ages in hands-on learning, driven by curiosity and play.
Our mission is to create a hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) based attraction that exercises curiosity, promotes exploration, and develops imagination through interactivity.
Our Board
Audie Dennis
Board President, Retired (Boyd Metals)
Stephanie Bradshaw
Board Vice-President, Freeman Health System Speech and Language Pathologist
Shelly Kraft
Board Treasurer, Kraft Insurance
Kitty Ward
Board Secretary, Retired Educator
Paula Baker
Board Member, Freeman Health System
Chad Greer
Board Member, CGA Architects
Logan Stanley
Board Member, Edward Jones Advisors
Jamie Strickland
Board Member, Southwest Missouri Bank
Clive Veri
Board Member, Commerce Bank
Lindsay Kubicek
Board Member, Forvis Mazars
Nathan Gurley
Board Member, Copeland and Brown Law Firm
Jackie Kennedy
Board Member, EaglePicher Technologies
Our Beginnings
The Creative Learning Alliance was built from the Vision 2022 Quality of Life Destination Committee. In May 2017, Vision Joplin 2022 presented several recommendations to the city council. These recommendations were compiled by nearly 150 community members serving on various committees: governance, health and wellness, job growth, marketing and branding, and quality of life.
Among these ideas, one concept that was well received and supported by City Council was that of a children’s museum. Since then, a group of professionals, concerned citizens and educators have been exploring, and actively pursuing, the creation of a hands-on, STEAM-based attraction.
Our Progress
- The Creative Learning Alliance has registered as a Missouri business entity, elected officers, and received nonprofit status.
- Developed a mission and vision statement.
- Raised funds to conduct a feasibility study, In October 2018, CLA held a public input session at Joplin Public Library to gauge area interest in the project.
- The board contracted with ConsultEcon, a highly recommended firm providing market, economic, business and planning services to the museum sector. ConsultEcon conducted a professional feasibility study, which assessed the community’s ability to support and sustain such a project.
- The Outreach Committee created approximately 15 entertaining and interactive exhibits to be used as educational and promotional pieces at events.
- The organization contracted with a Project Coordinator who will work towards brand identity, building donor relations, and social media development.
In the News
Why is STEAM Learning Important?
Hands-on STEAM learning—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—has become essential in preparing students for the modern world.
What is STEAM?
STEAM is an interdisciplinary approach that combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to prepare students for the future.
Who is the Creative Learning Alliance/Schroeder Family Exploreum?
How did the Creative Learning come about…and how did the Exploreum grow from that?
Creative Learning Alliance Announces Future Science Center Name
The Creative Learning Alliance (CLA) annnounced the full name of the future science center on Friday, June 28, 2024. The science center will be called Schroeder Family Exploreum. A public contest was announced in December 2023 for a fun, descriptive name to accompany a sponsor name. The winning entry was chosen from 64 names that were submitted by area residents.
Youth Volunteer Corps Works Hard to Clear Creative Learning Alliance Garden
The Youth Volunteer Corp spent this last Saturday, November 4 working hard to clear the Main Street Garden of Creative Learning Alliance. For 4 hours they cut, shoveled, raked, and swept to prepare the garden for future use. We are so thankful for their hard work!
Ozark Christian College Includes Creative Learning Alliance in Their Annual Community Day
On October 12 Creative Learning Alliance was blessed with the greatest bunch of young men from Ozark Christian College who worked so hard to clean at the new building! They scoured, scrubbed, and hauled trash for over 2 hours and we are so grateful for their hard work.
Creative Learning Alliance Acquires Former Joplin Public Library for Future Science Center
Children’s Museums Are Growing Intellectually and Emotionally-New York Times
CLA Wins Downtown Window Contest
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