Mission & History
Our mission is to ignite a lifelong love for science to enrich Montana's future.
About Us
ExplorationWorks offers interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) exhibits, programs, workshops, classes, and camps for kids and families, as well as school and community groups. In 2019, we welcomed over 42,000 guests of all ages. More than 800 youth participate in our summer camps and after school classes each year. Our onsite Explore School program, in partnership with Helena Public Schools, provides weekly formal science education for 90 home-school students, 1st-8th grade.
History
CommunityWorks, Inc., the nonprofit organization that developed ExplorationWorks, was founded in September 2000. During the first seven years, CommunityWorks operated as a “Museum Without Walls”, providing science educational services for Helena and surrounding communities.
From its beginning, ExplorationWorks has been a volunteer-driven, collaborative and grassroots effort. Since opening its doors in 2007, it has become a destination for local community members and tourists from across the country, and beyond. The 13,000 sq ft LEED-certified facility houses three levels of exhibit, classroom and community space, a fabrication shop, and administrative space.
ExplorationWorks addresses community needs by helping kids, families, and adults transform book-based STEM knowledge into hands-on real life experiences. We are proud of our 135+ community partners that help us accomplish our mission; including Carroll College, University of Montana, Helena College, YMCA, Lewis & Clark Library, No Kid Hungry and many more. Through collaborations with organizations that reach and serve at-risk and low-income populations, we aim to be accessible, welcoming and inclusive of all people. Click here to view our financial statements.