Kohl’s Donates $2 Million to Discovery World

Kohl’s Department Stores, based in Menomonee Falls recently partnered with Discovery World in Milwaukee and donated $2 million over three years to create Kohl’s Design It!, an educational program allowing kids to use advanced technology to turn designs into reality.  The donation comes from the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program, which sells special merchandise, including plush toys and books, and donates 100 percent of the net profit to benefit children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.
“At Kohl’s, we know the value of creative thinking and great design and we want to inspire young minds to learn these skills,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.  “Discovery World offers a great educational service, cultivating the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow, and we’re thrilled to partner with Discovery World to offer the Kohl’s Design It! program in our hometown.”
The Kohl’s Design It! Program consists of a hands-on learning lab that allows students to obtain a greater  understanding of how things are made and how technology is used to transform ideas into reality. The program  will launch at Discovery World in fall 2010 and will be free with admission to all Discovery World attendees and school groups.  
“Discovery World and Kohl’s share a commitment to children’s education here in Wisconsin. We are proud to partner with Kohl’s to deliver this new program that connects youth and families with innovative technologies,” said Joel Brennan, Discovery World chief executive officer.  “Through the creative process of learning how to design and build things, participants will explore the science and technology behind everyday objects and gain an appreciation for the role of design in their lives.”
A portable version of the on-site lab will also be created to extend the program delivery beyond the Discovery World facility.