District partners with da Vinci Museum for STREAM initiative

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America and STEAM Center, located on the Pueblo Convention Center campus, is launching an innovative effort to expand educational and cultural opportunities across Southern Colorado, starting with students in D60.

This hands-on museum brings the genius of Leonardo da Vinci—artist, inventor, scientist, and engineer—into a dynamic space for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning.

To take full advantage of this unique resource, the district has partnered with the museum to provide scholars from STREAM Magnet Schools Park View and Risley—supported by Centennial High School Bulldogs mentors—with engaging, real-world learning experiences that enhance existing programming.

Set to begin in June, the partnership will offer elementary and middle school students hands-on, creative learning opportunities, while eighth graders and high schoolers step into mentorship and leadership roles.

“The experiences will tie into innovation and inquiry—a modern application of Leonardo’s inventive spirit,” said Adrianne Hamilton, director of education for the museum. “The museum is really about learning from the past, experimenting in the present, and designing for the future.”

Students will take on challenges such as designing and constructing a secure safe to protect museum artifacts—projects that require creativity, innovation, and the application of STEM skills.

Through an existing partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, participants will receive free transportation to and from the museum, along with access to the Risley Clubhouse at the end of each day.

“We will have four different cohorts throughout the week,” said Drew Hirshon, the district’s Director of Magnet Schools. “In the morning, elementary students in grades three through five will participate, with eighth graders serving as mentors.

“In the afternoon, sixth and seventh graders will work alongside high school mentors, giving them the opportunity to earn work-based learning credit. Our goal is to build a continuous partnership—one where students can grow into docents, engage with the community, and remain involved with the STEAM Center over time.”

To further encourage family engagement, each participant will receive a daily museum pass valid for their entire family.