FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner, (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org
Cincinnati Museum Center celebrates 16 graduating Youth Programs seniors
Youth development program boasts 100% high school graduation rate
CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) is celebrating 16 seniors graduating from its Youth Programs. The seniors, part of the program’s 117 participants, will have a drive through graduation ceremony at Union Terminal this evening.
CMC’s Youth Programs began as a youth volunteer program with two students in the Museum of Natural History & Science in 1989. In the 30 years since, it has blossomed into a premier youth development initiative that regularly serves over 100 participants each year. The program is designed to prepare youth for success in high school, college and beyond. Since the inception of the program, over 1,900 participants have contributed more than 260,000 hours to CMC.
Youth Programs is designed to enhance the creativity, confidence and success of its members. Academic success is a cornerstone of the program, with 100% of participants graduating from high school. CMC staff empowers participants through workshops, college visits, volunteer opportunities and skill development to pursue higher education. An outstanding 99% of participants go on to enroll in a 4-year college, with 80% receiving scholarships or financial aid, which CMC helps support through financial aid workshops and scholarship fairs.
“The students who participate in our Youth Programs are truly inspiring and demonstrate such promise for their futures, which shine brighter than ever,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Working alongside them is inspiring and invigorating as professionals. They have shown themselves to be leaders and we feel encouraged knowing that they will lead us all into the future.”
Over the past year, Youth Programs provided valuable mentorship and the unique opportunity to work in all facets of a museum for 117 youth. Students worked on the floor and behind the scenes of the Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum and featured exhibitions like Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission, where they led programming in the shadow of the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. Program participants led demonstrations and programming for guests, supported program development behind the scenes and helped with community events both at Union Terminal and offsite.
CMC’s Youth Programs would not be possible without the generosity of 2019-2020 supporters Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Willard and Jean Mulford Charitable Fund of the Cambridge Charitable Foundation, Robert & Adele Schiff Foundation and Best Buy Foundation.
Youth Programs and CMC wish the following seniors success as they continue their journeys:
- Dylan Cunningham, Indian Hill High School, who is planning to attend Hampton University after four years in Youth Programs
- Jordan Fairbanks, Shroder High School, who is planning to attend the University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash after three years in Youth Programs
- Angelina Hacker, Scott High School, who is planning to attend Gateway Community and Technical College after four years in Youth Programs
- Emeline Keuther, Highlands High School, who is planning to attend Columbia University after four years in Youth Programs
- Owen King, Oak Hills High School, who is planning to attend the University of Dayton after four years in Youth Programs
- Matthew Kock, Elder High School, who is planning to attend the University of Cincinnati after four years in Youth Programs
- Amber Konerman, Holy Cross High School, who is planning to attend Thomas More University after five years in Youth Programs
- Nicholas Leslie, Edgewood High School, who is planning to attend Holy Cross College after six years in Youth Programs
- Justin Loudermilk, Oak Hills High School, who is planning to attend the University of Cincinnati after three years in Youth Programs
- Elise Muehlenkamp, Dixie Heights High School, who is planning to attend Northern Kentucky University after three years in Youth Programs
- Jacob Munday, Clark Montessori High School, who is planning to attend Earlham College after six years in Youth Programs
- Molly Novak, home school, who is planning to attend the University of Cincinnati after five years in Youth Programs
- Brynden Perkins, Ryle High School, who is planning to attend Northern Kentucky University after one year in Youth Programs
- Sarah Schaen, Wyoming High School, who is planning to attend DAAP at the University of Cincinnati after three years in Youth Programs
- Taylor Shearer, Roger Bacon High School, who is planning to attend Northern Kentucky University after four years in Youth Programs
- Eva Wright, Mercy McAuley High School, who is planning to attend the College of Wooster after four years in Youth Programs
###
About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized institution and national historic landmark. Dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight and inspiration, CMC was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2012. CMC is one of a select few museums in the nation with both of these honors, making it a unique asset and a vital community resource. Union Terminal has been voted the nation's 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects. Organizations within CMC include the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater and Cincinnati History Library & Archives. Recognized by Forbes Traveler Magazine as the 17th most visited museum in the country, CMC welcomes more than 1.8 million visits annually. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.