We are The Creative Learning Alliance — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and inspire discovery for people of all ages. Our vision is simple but powerful: hands-on learning fueled by play. The idea took root in 2017 within Vision Joplin 2022’s Quality of Life committee, where nearly 150 community members dreamed up ways to make our region an even better place to live. Among their ideas, one stood out and gained immediate traction — a vibrant, interactive children’s museum.
From that seed grew our mission: to create the region’s first hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) attraction. This will be a place where curiosity runs wild, exploration is encouraged, and imagination is built into every experience. More than just a Joplin treasure, the science center will be a magnet for all of the communities across the region, creating impact that extends far beyond any one city’s limits.
Momentum grew quickly. In 2018, after an enthusiastic public input session, we secured funding for a professional feasibility study, confirming the region’s readiness for such a project. We rolled up our sleeves — forming committees, launching monthly “Playshops,” and bringing pop-up hands-on exhibits to thousands of children and families. By 2023, it was clear the time had come to plant permanent roots. That September, we purchased the former Joplin Public Library and in June 2024 proudly announced its new name: The Schroeder Family Exploreum — along with a $6.5 million Capital Campaign to bring it to life.
Today, our journey is fueled by passionate volunteers, generous supporters, and a community that believes in the power of play. We’re building more than a science center — we’re building a space where learning is an adventure, where families connect, and where curiosity never grows up. Our future is about to get a lot more hands-on… and we can’t wait for you to be part of it.