The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates strategic opportunities, develops intellectual capital, and assembles resources to support our members in realizing their missions and engaging their communities.
Our Vision
Increasing understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.
Our Purpose
Championing and supporting science and technology centers and museums and the entire science engagement field.
The Work of Our Members
Lifelong Science Learning
Connect Science and Society
Engage Diverse Communities
Partner to Tackle Global and Local Challenges
Our Strategic Approaches
As a leading convener for the science engagement field, ASTC will…
Champion public engagement with science
Promote the work of science and technology centers and museums
Collaborate and strengthen member connections across the full breadth of science-engagement ecosystems
Build greater support for science engagement activities and institutions
Strengthen members and their capacity
Help grow the diversity and skills of our members’ workforce
Facilitate innovation, connection, learning, and collaboration among members
Collect and share data and research
Build a more equitable and sustainable future
Support our members to lead with their communities on addressing climate change and biodiversity, equity and justice, and other critical issues
Spread and scale equity-focused approaches to science learning and engagement
Expand our members’ individual and collective impact in their communities and across the world
Our Targets
ASTC’s strategy will advance toward our vision and these ultimate targets. In the implementation of this strategy, ASTC will define metrics and develop data tools to measure progress toward these targets.
Our members are thriving community leaders
Science and technology centers and museums are recognized for their leadership and are thriving and adaptable institutions within their communities, supported by diverse and skilled staff, sustainable finances, and collaborative relationships across the science engagement field.
Science engagement efforts are well resourced
Science and technology engagement efforts—including the full spectrum of STEM learning, community science, and public participation and research activities—are recognized as valuable and well-resourced by public, private, and philanthropic sources.
All people are included in science engagement
The full diversity of people and
communities are equal participants
in learning about, contributing to, and
benefiting from science and technology.
Our Guiding Principles
- Support all sizes and types of science engagement organizations
- Amplify diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds
- Respect member perspectives
- Prioritize effective partnerships to maximize impact
- Collaborate globally from North America
- Make data-driven decisions and adapt to change
- Advance our commitment to equity and justice
To learn more about ASTC’s equity and justice work, visit astc.org/equity