Spartanburg Science Center

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 570661215 ✦ Spartanburg, SC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Spartanburg Science Center?

The Spartanburg Science Center is a nonprofit organization situated in Spartanburg, South Carolina, specifically at 200 EAST ST JOHN STREET. Its primary objective is to provide science enrichment and interactive educational programs and exhibits to supplement and enhance the science education of children and adults within Spartanburg County, South Carolina. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the center hosted approximately 475 science programs serving nearly 20,000 children. The Spartanburg Science Center offers various activities, such as monthly student-led podcasts and more than 20 summer camps for children aged 4-12. Furthermore, the center partners with the Kids Club of the Upstate (formerly Boys & Girls Club of the Upstate), now supporting Spartanburg County and Cherokee County. The center serves every school district in Spartanburg County and in 2022, launched an inaugural Stepping into STEM program for children ages 4-6 to spark passion and creativity for learning STEM through interactive activities and experiments. In addition, the Spartanburg Science Center collaborates with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport to host a nationally renowned Community Aviation Program serving over 60 students aged 16-20. With a workforce of 6 employees, the Spartanburg Science Center is dedicated to fostering a love for science and learning among its community.


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 90%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.

The Spartanburg Science Center has received a strong 90% score, reflecting its robust accountability and finance practices. This rating is particularly noteworthy as it is based entirely on a single beacon score that evaluates important governance aspects and financial health. The organization boasts a fully independent board of directors, with 13 members, and has no material diversion of assets, indicating sound management and ethical practices.

The center excels in transparency and policy implementation, having all necessary documents and policies in place, except for a whistleblower policy, which is still a significant concern. Its program expense ratio is impressive at 91.04%, showcasing that a large portion of its funds is directed towards its programs rather than administrative costs, which is a positive indicator for donors.

However, the absence of a whistleblower policy could be seen as a limitation, potentially affecting the organization's overall governance framework. Despite this minor issue, the Spartanburg Science Center's high rating reflects a strong commitment to financial responsibility and accountability, making it a reliable choice for potential donors and supporters.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Spartanburg Science Center?

96% of 49 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Spartanburg Science Center. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many visitors express that the center is an enjoyable place for both children and adults, praising the variety of interactive exhibits available. Guests appreciate the engaging and knowledgeable staff, who enhance the overall experience. The clean environment and thoughtful layout contribute to an inviting atmosphere where families can spend hours exploring.

Overall, people feel that the Spartanburg Science Center successfully delivers an entertaining and educational experience, making it a highly recommended destination for those looking to spend quality time while learning.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Spartanburg Science Center legitimate?

Spartanburg Science Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Spartanburg Science Center submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $21,950
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $8,724

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

What is the mission statement of Spartanburg Science Center?

The Spartanburg Science Center's mission is to enrich and enhance science education for children and adults through interactive programs and exhibits. This non-profit organization aims to supplement the science curriculum in local schools by providing engaging and informative activities. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the center hosted approximately 475 science programs, serving nearly 20,000 children. They also offer monthly student-led podcasts and various summer camps for children aged 4-12. The Spartanburg Science Center is a significant provider of programming to the Kids' Club of the Upstate, now supporting both Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. Additionally, the center partners with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport to host a community aviation program, serving over 60 students aged 16-20. In 2022, the center launched its inaugural Stepping into STEM program for children aged 4-6, aiming to spark passion and creativity for learning STEM through interactive activities and experiments, all aligned with South Carolina science standards.


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

Who is the CEO of Spartanburg Science Center?

Mary Levens is the Secretary of Spartanburg Science Center.


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

What is the revenue of Spartanburg Science Center?

Spartanburg Science Center's revenue in 2023 was $209,465.


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

Who are the executives of Spartanburg Science Center and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Spartanburg Science Center during 2023 was $5,112. There are 6 employees and 24 volunteers at Spartanburg Science Center.


Here are 14 key members and their salaries:


Dotty Morris (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alex Saleeby (Board Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kathryn Harvey (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tashma Glymph (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeff Cashman (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Will Case (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Mason (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Amy Russ (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patty Brock (Board Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tanya Tang (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Whitney Fisher (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Clary Reich (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Brandham (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Levens (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $16,343
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Spartanburg Science Center?

Spartanburg Science Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

Learn more at the official website: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org

Mission Statement of Spartanburg Science Center

The Spartanburg Science Center, a nonprofit organization, is committed to providing enriching and interactive scientific education programs and exhibits to supplement and enhance the science education of children and adults in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Its mission is to supplement the existing science education by offering engaging activities and exhibits that stimulate the curiosity and creativity of its audience.

During the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2023, the Spartanburg Science Center hosted approximately 475 science education programs, serving nearly 20,000 children. The center organizes monthly student-led podcasts, providing a platform for young minds to share their knowledge and insights. Furthermore, the Spartanburg Science Center offers more than 20 summer camps for children aged 4 to 12, ensuring that children have ample opportunities to engage with science outside of the school year. The center is also the largest provider of programming to Kids' Club of the Upstate (formerly Boys & Girls Club of the Upstate), now serving Spartanburg County and Cherokee County.

In 2022, the Spartanburg Science Center launched its inaugural Stepping into STEM program for children aged 4 to 6. This program aimed to spark passion and creativity for learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through interactive activities and experiments. All lessons are grounded in the South Carolina science standards, ensuring that the education provided is in line with the local curriculum. Additionally, the Spartanburg Science Center partners with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport to host a nationally renowned Community Aviation Program, serving over 60 students aged 16 to 20. This partnership allows the center to extend its reach and provide diverse educational opportunities.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Spartanburg Science Center plays a vital role in enhancing science education for both children and adults in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Throughout the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the center hosted approximately 475 educational science programs, directly reaching nearly 20,000 children. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and encourages curiosity among young learners.

A unique feature of the center is its monthly student-led podcasts, which empower students to explore and discuss scientific topics, further honing their communication skills and reinforcing their learning. Additionally, the center offers over 20 summer camps specifically designed for ages 4-12, creating an exciting environment for hands-on learning during the summer months.

Significantly, the Spartanburg Science Center serves as the largest provider of programming for the Kid's Club of the Upstate, impacting youth in both Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. The center's commitment to education extends across all school districts in Spartanburg County, ensuring that no child is left without access to enriching science activities.

In 2022, the center launched the “Stepping Into STEM” program for children ages 4-6, igniting passion and creativity through interactive activities grounded in South Carolina science standards. This innovative approach is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers right from an early age.

Moreover, the center partners with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport to facilitate a nationally recognized community aviation program that served over 60 students aged 16-20, providing them with unique insights into aviation and fostering career exploration in science and technology fields. Overall, the Spartanburg Science Center is instrumental in building a strong foundation for science education and literacy within the community.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Spartanburg Science Center. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$209,465 (2023)
Expenses
$198,091 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $103
  • Program Service Revenue: $78,724
  • Gross Receipts: $209,469

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $123,827
  • Total Liabilities: $0
  • Net Assets: $123,827

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

PROGRAM INCOME

Revenue

$78,724

Organization Details

Founding Year

1978

Principal Officer

Mary Levens

Main Address

200 EAST ST JOHN STREET, SPARTANBURG, SC, 29306

NTEE Category

Code: A57 - Arts

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