Our Mission
To engage our community in the joyful, active exploration of science and innovation.
Our Vision
A community where science discovery leads to a lifelong passion for curiosity, exploration, and innovation.
Our Values
Playful Discovery
We believe in the power of play to nurture scientific curiosity and positive development in children, families and our community through exploring the wonder of science.
Inclusive
We create a welcoming and accessible space where we cultivate a commitment to equity, value diversity, and treat all people with dignity and respect.
Trusted Steward
We are committed to providing a safe place for children, families and all who interact with SEE. We will ethically steward donor investments and respect donor intent and confidentiality. We will always be grounded in the facts of science.
Deepen Community Engagement
Build SEE’s community of participants through inclusivity and accessibility.
- Continue to develop funding sources to remove cost as a barrier through our Inclusion Initiative.
- Develop opportunities that create a pathway to membership.
- Build a sense of community and belonging among our members.
Become a community resource and go-to partner for businesses, schools and other non-profits.
- Grow SEE’s corporate donor base through non-event opportunities for engagement.
- Develop collaborations that expand our reach.
- Partner with fellow nonprofits and Title I schools to bring science to underserved communities.
Create a culture of curiosity, exploration, stewardship, and giving.
- Build strategies among staff and Board for the full donor engagement cycle (cultivation, giving, stewardship).
- Engage community influencers as partners and advocates to expand SEE’s networks of support.
- Concentrate on building long-term relationships with donors.
Create Excitement for Science, Exploration and Innovation
Broaden the reach of our programs to our targeted audiences (2-14 years old)
- Expand Early Learners program to build a science onramp for our youngest visitors.
- Build programs for middle school learners to expand our reach and relevancy in schools.
- Offer thematic programming experiences to engage audiences during non-peak times.
Create consistently welcoming and engaging experiences for our visitors of all ages and abilities
- Enhance visitor services to create a more welcoming space.
- Replace, renew and refresh existing exhibits.
Bring science to life through dynamic exhibit experiences
- Invest in adapting exhibits to grow as our visitors grow, utilizing signage, educational supports and increased open-ended, selfguided experiences.
- Increase interactivity with volunteer experts for visitor engagement opportunities.
- Re-envision our iconic LEGO® Millyard Project exhibit with stronger science connections and hands-on interaction.
Expand SEE’s Sustainable Practices and Responsiveness
Reinforce our value proposition to increase engagement and awareness of unique offerings.
- Strengthen our communication and brand through targeted, relevant messaging.
- Develop partnerships to position SEE as a day-trip destination.
- Build relevant connections with new and existing supporters through our mission and programs.
Invest in innovative data tools to inform strategic decisions.
- Collect actionable data both internally and externally.
- Improve technological efficiencies.
- Enhance financial infrastructure and reporting capabilities.
Grow staff, board and volunteer breadth and depth.
- Develop SEE’s volunteer program for visitor support and ambassadorship.
- Invest in professional development for the staff and Board.
- Grow capacity in visitor services, program delivery, exhibits, and development to execute the plan.
- Expand Board capacity with influencers and individuals with access to diverse networks.
“I just wanted to thank you so much for the fun program! My students LOVED it and couldn’t stop talking about how it was ‘the best day ever’.
They wanted to send you some cards, this was the best we could do virtually. We appreciate you and thank you."
Elaina Higgins
Teacher
Pelham Elementary School
Dear Friends
Our organization believes in the power of play and exploration to inspire the next generation of innovators. We can accomplish this by understanding where we are today, and planning for the future, which is embodied in this document: SEE Science Center 2021-2024 Strategic Plan.
We would like to thank the community members who provided feedback throughout this planning process including our non-profit partners, technology innovators, business leaders, donors, teachers, members, visitors, staff, Board, and museum colleagues. A special thanks also goes out to our devoted strategic planning committee who guided and shaped this thoughtful seven-month planning process.
It is in this spirit of collaboration and community that SEE is proud to present this forward looking plan which will help the organization thrive, grow and remain responsive over the next three years. We invite you to join us as we continue to strive to be a community leader in science education, accessible to all.
Sincerely,
Shana Hawrylchak
Executive Director
Jeff Benson
Board Chair
Strategic Planning Committee
Nick Brattan (Community)
New England Document Systems
Paulette Faggiano (Community)
Eversource
Kim Wierman (Community)
FIRST®
Jeff Benson, Chair (SEE Board)
Bellwether Community Credit Union
Andrea Campbell, M.Ed. (SEE Board)
Southern NH University
Victoria Marchand (SEE Board)
Blackbaud
Pete Gustafson (SEE Staff)
Deputy Director
Shana Hawrylchak (SEE Staff)
SEE Executive Director
Becky Mayhew (SEE Staff)
Visitor Experiences Director
Board of Directors
Jeff Benson, Chair
Bellwether Community Credit Union
Jo Hendry, Vice Chair
Retired Science Educator-Bedford
Brendan Duffy, Treasurer
DEKA Research and Development
Roy Tilsley, Esq. Secretary
Bernstein-Shur
Victoria Marchand
Blackbaud
Andrea Campbell, M.Ed.
Southern NH University
Bob Chang, Ph.D.
Worthen Industries
Nick Soggu
SilverTech, Inc.
Julie Kfoury
Formerly, Central Paper Products
Kimberly Licciardi, MD
NH Eye Associates
Bob Tuttle
DEKA Research & Development
Val Zanchuk
Graphicast, Inc.
Jeff Moynihan
Clark Insurance