Joplin’s new STEAM centern nears opening with $2M raised

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin's new "STEAM" center for kids is getting closer to opening on Main Street.

Fundraising has passed the two million dollar mark for the "Schroeder Family Exploreum." Renovations are underway, and some special events have been hosted at the site at 3rd and Main. Project leaders say they are hoping to grow the donation total with an offer to match donations up to five hundred thousand dollars.

"This is a great opportunity if someone is interested in being a part of this wonderful project to um make their donation - or have it matched dollar for dollar," said Audie Dennis, Exploreum board president.

"We're about a third of the way to our full capital goal. But there's still a lot of work to be done. We've got six point five million dollars to raise overall to get the building where we need to get it to be safe and functional for the families of the Four States," said Neely Myers, Exploreum executive director.

Leaders are hoping to open the north end of the center to regular operations this spring, pending completion of heat and air work.