Richlands 2 Students Help Construct EdVenture’s Newest Exhibit Space: “MedVenture”

New exhibit highlighting medical careers was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from Richland School District 2’s STEAMM Med Pro 21 Initiative

COLUMBIA, S.C., May 19, 2023 – Some of the largest and fastest-growing professions in the U.S. are in the health care industry—accounting for about 14% of all U.S. workers according to the Census Bureau. Labor statistics predict that health care occupation number will double over the course of the next 10 years. Thanks to a collaborative partnership with Richland School District 2 and its Med Pro 21 learning continuum, EdVenture is doing its part to present medical field career choices to young minds as part of its newest exhibit that has been given the moniker, MedVenture.

“Grab a lab coat from the hook and head on over to the pharmacy area,” says Marc Drews, Director of Experiences and Education at EdVenture, as he explains the new space. “Here, kids will be able to explore math and patterning manipulatives that are similar to how a pharmacist combines elements to create medicines. From pharmacist to physical therapist to paramedic and doctor, our young guests can explore the medical profession in a variety of capacities and learn what it takes to fulfill those roles.”

Richland 2’s STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, math, and, medical) Med Pro 21 initiative integrates STEAMM learning while preparing all students for their chosen college and/or career pathway. STEAMM Med Pro 21 is funded by a magnet schools assistance program grant through the United States Department of Education.

Health care careers weren’t the only profession getting exposure during the creation of MedVenture. For three Ridge View High School students in the Richland 2 Med Pro magnet program, the building of the MedVenture exhibit was a chance to learn about a career within a children’s museum.

“Students teamed up with our exhibits department and got to experience hands-on building of a museum exhibit from scratch,” says Tyshica McConner, EdVenture’s Education Initiatives Manager. “This was such a valuable experience for them as they concepted and designed the exhibit, painted, constructed, and even helped with the finishing touches.”
MedVenture opens to the public on Saturday, May 20, 2023 and is free with general admission.

“There’s no better feeling than seeing the confidence of a student grow and build through an experience like this,” says Lloyd McDonald, EdVenture’s Facilities Director. “MedVenture really came to life with their creative ideas and hard work. The exhibit fits perfectly into EdVenture’s World of Work series.”

In addition to a collaboration with Richland 2, EdVenture also worked with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to highlight healthcare professionals from the Midlands within the exhibit. Across MedVenture, guests will be exposed to real MUSC Health Midlands care professionals, their photos, and why they chose their career in healthcare.

“We are proud to be the healthcare partner of MedVenture,” says Punam Patel, MUSC Director of External Affairs. “Through the ingenuity and hard work of the bright students in the Richland 2’s STEAMM Med Pro 21 program, children will receive early exposure to healthcare and life science careers, which builds an early pipeline for tomorrow’s workforce. It is our hope that highlighting our current MUSC Health Midlands care team members will inspire the next generation to change what’s possible for the communities we serve.”

Admission to EdVenture in Columbia is $13 for children and adults. Members and children under the age of two get in for free. Memberships are available for as low as $89 per year that allow for unlimited admission to each EdVenture location all year long. Reduced admission is available under the museum’s “Yes, Every Child” program. The museum operates on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., is closed on Tuesdays, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, visit edventure.org.

About EdVenture

EdVenture Children’s Museum is a 501c3 registered non-profit educational institution dedicated to creating new generations of lifelong learners through museum experiences, educational programming, events, and camps. The museum is based in Columbia with additional locations in Myrtle Beach and Hartsville. Learn more at www.edventure.org.

About Richland School District 2

Richland School District Two is the largest and fastest-growing public school district in the South Carolina Midlands. It serves more than 27,000 pre-K through 12th grade students in 40 schools and centers: 20 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, four magnet centers, one child development center and one alternative school. Richland 2 also offers a variety of magnet programs for every type of learner. Learn more at www.richland2.org.