SAN DIEGO—The Fleet Science Center has received from Prebys Foundation one of 147 grants totaling $30.6 million to advance the arts, support youth success, improve health outcomes, and reduce disparities in medical research across San Diego County.  

These grants create an inclusive, equitable and dynamic future for all and are going to community-based organizations across our region: Central, North, East, and South Counties. 

The Fleet was awarded $274,000 to support Art for Planetary Health: Participatory Art Activations with Partner Communities. For this initiative, the Fleet will work with its Neighborhood Networks to engage five creatives to co-create art with their community to promote multi-generational awareness. Creatives from and working in San Ysidro, National City, Barrio Logan and the Greater Neighborhoods of Southeastern San Diego (GNSSD) will create participatory art experiences, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human health and planetary ecosystems.  

Each creative will develop a piece or performance to co-create with community members at local STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) fairs. The initiative culminates in an exhibition at the Fleet Science Center, providing a platform for the creatives and their community and promoting the understanding of planetary health. 

“In pursuit of our mission to connect everyone to the power of science, the Fleet Science Center has built Neighborhood Networks of community partners—educators, non-profit organizations, community groups, schools, libraries, business,” says Steven Snyder, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fleet Science Center. “The Fleet is grateful to the Prebys Foundation for this generous grant, which will support the co-creation of this new initiative to engage artists and community members to promote understanding of planetary health.” 

Prebys Foundation advances excellence and shared opportunity through investments in groundbreaking institutions, ideas, and people. “Our communities are better thanks to the work of the Fleet Science Center,” says Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation. “This is why we are proud to invest $274,000 in their work advancing their shared vision for a vibrant and thriving region. We encourage others to support, learn more, and celebrate their work.” 

About the Fleet Science Center  

Since 1973, the Fleet Science Center has been a central link between science, schools and scientific organizations, collaborating with the communities that call San Diego County home. Its mission is simple yet bold: to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science. The organization delivers on this mission through engaging experiences and culturally driven education programs in neighborhoods throughout the county and the historic Balboa Park flagship location. The Fleet creates places of inspiration by collaborating with communities to support and grow STEM talent in San Diego. From interactive exhibits and school field trips to free science programs, the Fleet is forward-thinking and consistently evolving to create positive change in the world. To learn more, visit fleetscience.org.    

About Balboa Park  

Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban-cultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.