About
Our vision is to engage people of all ages in hands-on learning, driven by curiosity and play.
Our mission is to create a hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) based attraction that exercises curiosity, promotes exploration, and develops imagination through interactivity.
Our Board
Audie Dennis
Board President, Retired (Boyd Metals)
Stephanie Bradshaw
Board Vice-President, Freeman Health System Speech and Language Pathologist
Shelly Kraft
Board Treasurer, Kraft Insurance
Kitty Ward
Board Secretary, Retired Educator
Paula Baker
Board Member, Freeman Health System
Chad Greer
Board Member, CGA Architects
Logan Stanley
Board Member, Edward Jones Advisors
Jamie Strickland
Board Member, Southwest Missouri Bank
Clive Veri
Board Member, Commerce Bank
Lindsay Kubicek
Board Member, Forvis Mazars
Nathan Gurley
Board Member, Copeland and Brown Law Firm
Jackie Kennedy
Board Member, EaglePicher Technologies
Our Beginnings
The Creative Learning Alliance was built from the Vision 2022 Quality of Life Destination Committee. In May 2017, Vision Joplin 2022 presented several recommendations to the city council. These recommendations were compiled by nearly 150 community members serving on various committees: governance, health and wellness, job growth, marketing and branding, and quality of life.
Among these ideas, one concept that was well received and supported by City Council was that of a children’s museum. Since then, a group of professionals, concerned citizens and educators have been exploring, and actively pursuing, the creation of a hands-on, STEAM-based attraction.
Our Progress
- The Creative Learning Alliance has registered as a Missouri business entity, elected officers, and received nonprofit status.
- Developed a mission and vision statement.
- Raised funds to conduct a feasibility study, In October 2018, CLA held a public input session at Joplin Public Library to gauge area interest in the project.
- The board contracted with ConsultEcon, a highly recommended firm providing market, economic, business and planning services to the museum sector. ConsultEcon conducted a professional feasibility study, which assessed the community’s ability to support and sustain such a project.
- The Outreach Committee created approximately 15 entertaining and interactive exhibits to be used as educational and promotional pieces at events.
- The organization contracted with a Project Coordinator who will work towards brand identity, building donor relations, and social media development.
In the News
Could Humans Really Live on Mars?
The short answer is… possibly, but it would be extremely difficult.
Art in Engineering: The Hidden Gear of Innovation
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum of logic.
Groundhog Day: The Only Holiday Where We Trust a Rodent Meteorologist
Finding Your Passion When You’re Young: The Sky’s the Limit
Why Volunteer with the Exploreum in 2026?
Why STEAM is Important for Adults
You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: Why Continued Donor Support Matters
When young people see themselves represented in the faces of the scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators of the supporting organizations of the Exploreum, they realize that they too belong in those roles.
How STEAM Sparks Collaboration and Teamwork
Outdoor STEAM: Learning in Nature
Nature offers endless opportunities for children to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in ways that are fun, hands-on, and memorable.
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