Great Lakes Science Center Names Dr. Sarah J. Cohen as New Board Chair

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  Science and Technology on Wed, Dec 24th, 2025 by Cleveland Jewish News
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Great Lakes Science Center Announces New Board Chair and a Bold Expansion of STEM Programming

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) in Cleveland broke the news that it has appointed Dr. Sarah J. Cohen as its new board chair. The announcement, which was featured in the Cleveland Jewish News and the center’s own press release, marks a pivotal moment for the region’s leading hands‑on science museum and signals a renewed commitment to expanding STEM outreach across the Greater Cleveland area.

Who is Dr. Sarah J. Cohen?

Dr. Cohen is a well‑known Cleveland philanthropist and an alumna of Case Western Reserve University. Prior to this appointment, she served as director of the Cleveland Public Schools’ STEM Initiative, where she helped design curriculum that increased student participation in science and technology courses by 35% over five years. Her career has spanned roles in biotech research, educational consulting, and nonprofit leadership, including serving on the boards of the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Akron’s STEM Outreach Center.

According to a profile on the Great Lakes Science Center’s website, Dr. Cohen brings a “deep understanding of the science education landscape and a passion for inclusive access.” She is a longtime supporter of the center, having contributed to the 2021 “STEM for All” initiative that provided free after‑school workshops to over 200 students from underserved communities.

A Vision for the Center’s Future

Dr. Cohen’s first address to the board and community highlighted three guiding priorities:

1. Inclusive STEM Access – She plans to broaden the center’s outreach to include more students of color, low‑income families, and English‑language learners. The “STEM for All” program will be expanded to serve an additional 300 students in the next fiscal year.
2. Innovation Hub Development – Leveraging a recently secured $1.2 million grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the center will build a state‑of‑the‑art “Innovation Hub” in its existing facilities. The hub will feature maker labs, robotics workshops, and a partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
3. Strategic Partnerships – Dr. Cohen intends to deepen collaborations with local higher‑education institutions, corporate sponsors such as GE Power & Electronics, and the Cleveland Public Schools to create a seamless pipeline from classroom learning to real‑world STEM careers.

The board chair’s inaugural speech received enthusiastic applause from board members, donors, and community leaders, all of whom expressed excitement about the center’s ambitious roadmap.

Upcoming STEM Programming

The article provides an extensive overview of several programs slated for launch in the coming months:

Dr. Cohen emphasizes that each program is designed not just for educational impact but also for career development, with mentorship opportunities and internship pipelines to local companies.

Funding and Community Support

The center’s latest financial review, available on its website, shows a solid fiscal footing:

• Total Revenue (FY 2023): $6.3 million
• Key Sources: $2.5 million in private gifts, $1.0 million in city grants, $1.2 million in corporate sponsorships, $1.6 million from fundraising events

The article cites a press release that details a $500,000 matching grant from the Cleveland Foundation, earmarked for the expansion of STEM programming in underserved neighborhoods. Additionally, the center is pursuing a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic’s Precision Medicine Institute, which would provide both financial support and expert speakers for the Innovation Hub.

Historical Context

Founded in 2001, the Great Lakes Science Center has grown from a modest 15‑room facility into Cleveland’s flagship interactive science museum. Over the past two decades, the center has attracted more than 4 million visitors, hosted countless school groups, and played a pivotal role in boosting the city’s STEM workforce. Its flagship “Future of Science” exhibit, launched in 2018, showcases cutting‑edge research in genomics, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing the center’s reputation as a hub for forward‑thinking science education.

Community Reactions

A statement from former board chair Dr. John H. Ramirez—who is stepping down after a 12‑year tenure—expressed confidence in Dr. Cohen’s leadership: “Sarah’s track record in both education and philanthropy makes her the perfect steward for our mission. I look forward to seeing the center reach new heights.”

Students and parents also voiced optimism. A recent survey posted on the center’s social media indicated that 87 % of respondents believed that the new STEM programs would provide a tangible advantage in college admissions.

Looking Ahead

The Cleveland Jewish News article concludes by noting that the Great Lakes Science Center is not merely a museum but a living laboratory for community engagement. Dr. Cohen’s tenure promises to reinforce this vision through expanded outreach, innovative programming, and sustained partnerships. The center’s website—linked directly in the article—provides a calendar of upcoming events and a portal for volunteers to sign up for the new programs.

For anyone interested in the intersection of science, education, and community building, the center’s next phase is a story worth following. With Dr. Cohen at the helm, Cleveland’s STEM ecosystem is poised for a new era of inclusivity and innovation.