The Science Museum of Virginia today announced a significant donation from Meta that will be used over the next two years to support various environmentally-focused initiatives both inside and outside the Science Museum.
“Meta supports our educational goals of helping Virginians reduce their impact on the environment, adopt more sustainable practices and better understand energy and natural resource use,” said Richard Conti, Science Museum Chief Wonder Officer. “We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes from our partnership over the next several years for both our community and its residents.”
Meta’s $250,000 gift makes the technology company the Science Museum’s first Environmental Sustainer Partner. Funds will be used in the following ways:
- Build a working greenhouse on the Science Museum’s campus. Guests will learn about sustainable horticulture approaches, recycled rain water and nutrient-rich soil. Plants cultivated in the greenhouse will be used on-site in various ways.
- Support an activity-packed festival exploring sustainability, natural resources and environmental science. Taking place in April 2026 and 2027 during Earth Month, the hands-on educational experience will include a reduced admission price to increase access to a wider audience.
- Provide hands-on lessons for area schools that will allow teachers to demonstrate how leveraging design, engineering and natural landscapes can make communities more resilient to extreme heat and rain events.
- Enhance educator-led Science on a Sphere® demonstrations for Science Museum guests. These interactive and dynamic programs use a six-foot-diameter sphere to showcase NOAA data collected across the globe. The Science Museum’s Science on a Sphere® is one of less than 200 on display in public institutions.
- Provide access for three students from Henrico County’s East End to attend Science Museum summer camps. The creation of the META Camp Scholar Program will offer students in an economically challenged area direct access to quality STEM programming during the school break.
“Meta recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Our partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia is a key part of our commitment to supporting STEM education and promoting environmental stewardship in our community,” said Kelley McCall, community regional development manager at Meta. “We are proud to continue investing in the long-term vitality of Virginia, home to our Henrico Data Center and to equip museum visitors with the knowledge and tools to create a more sustainable future.”
Meta announced the award on April 24 at an event at the Science Museum celebrating all grantees during this funding cycle. The Science Museum will begin using some funds this year for the Science on a Sphere® demos and Meta Camp Scholar Program. The greenhouse will be built on the Science Museum’s 37-acre campus in the coming years, potentially being located on a portion of land on the east side of the campus along DMV Drive that will transition into public greenspace.
