Grantee Spotlight
Friends of Palo Alto JMZ
Creating Inclusive and Accessible Science Education for All
Since its opening in 1934, the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) has evolved into a space for children and caregivers to learn, explore, play, discover, and get curious about science and nature.
In 1990, the Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (the Friends) joined JMZ as the supporting nonprofit, working to ensure access to its programs are never limited by financial, physical, or cognitive barriers.
Located in Palo Alto, the Junior Museum & Zoo brings enriching exhibits and animals, as well as hands-on science education programs and summer camps to the community.
To support schools in neighboring communities like East Palo Alto, Eastern Menlo Park, and Redwood City without funding for supplemental science education, the Friends actively fundraise to bring those same hands-on high-quality science lessons to all children, regardless of their district.
“We know that having early science experiences is very important for so many reasons. Our educators have said the ability to develop fine motor skills, naturally problem-solving without having teacher-directed learning, having the opportunity to explore, and then also seeing science as an accessible pathway for their interests, their education, and ultimately their careers is vital,” says Chelsea Sansano, Development & Programs Manager of the Friends “If that's not being brought into the classroom on a regular basis from an early age, children might grow up not knowing what different science pathways there are available to them.”
The Friends have been a longtime grantee and valued partner of the Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) since 2005. With help from community partners like PACF they are able to fund programs like Super Family Sundays—where families with children with physical disabilities and learning differences can enjoy JMZ in a low-sensory environment, and JMZ Science Summer Camp scholarships—which are fully funded for income-eligible families so that all children can participate and experience the wonders of science.
“Our partnerships with community organizations are so important. For example, they have the direct reach and trust within the community that we might not have to communicate with families about our scholarship opportunities. We've also been able to increase the amount of field trips that we offer because of developing stronger relationships with community organizations.”
The Friends also supports the museum and zoo by bringing new and exciting exhibits to the community. Most recently, they fully funded the design and construction of the Rainbow Tunnel, a laboratory for exploring your senses.
The Rainbow Tunnel’s graduated design, which is narrow at the entrance and widens toward the exit, is surrounded by mirrored panels that reflect the full visible spectrum of the rainbow, encouraging exploration of sound, perspective, and spatial perception for an immersive learning experience. Open to the public, this exhibit creates a welcoming community feature, reflecting their mission to expand access to hands-on science learning for visitors of all ages and to ensure these experiences remain accessible.
To experience exhibits like the Rainbow Tunnel and discover the joy of science, nature, and wildlife, check out the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo this summer. And visit the Friends of the Palo Alto JMZ to help support access and inclusivity here.
