Exceptional Programming and Learning Opportunities:

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• Provide hands-on manipulative experiences geared to a variety of interest levels and learning styles

• Showcase special exhibits on a rotating basis

• Utilize state-of-the-art learning theories and research to provide high quality exhibits

• Feature exhibits that incorporate tiered learning to engage and involve children and those who accompany them

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Positive Physical Presence and a Community Resource:

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• Be a year-round bricks and mortar facility of permanent exhibits that is environmentally sustainable.

• Be an aesthetically pleasing and engaging environment

• Include a mobile museum unit that will take exhibits out into the community to schools, childcare centers and daycare facilities

• Provide opportunities for school and daycare groups to visit the museum for special presentations

• Include community event space as well as professional development and seminar space

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Fully Utilize the Unique Contributions of the Santa Cruz Community:

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• Seek community input in order to define and meet the needs of the greater Santa Cruz County Community.

• Seek exhibit underwriting from local businesses, community organizations and community members

• Partner with local museums, fraternal organizations and other entities that share a similar mission

• Work with volunteers from local high schools, Cabrillo College and UCSC and the community at large, with the goal of providing a high quality volunteer training program

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Inclusive:

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• Provide exhibit information in Spanish as well as English

• Present exhibits that are culturally relevant

• Provide museum event opportunities and create outreach to underserved populations in Santa Cruz County

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Diverse and Sustainable Funding Stream:

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• Be funded through admissions, museum memberships, private donations, foundation grants and available public funds

• Include a for-profit enterprise in the way of a gift shop