ECHO early learning exhibit receives support from James M. Cox Foundation

BURLINGTON, Vt., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is pleased to announce a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation in support of its early learning science initiative Champ Lane. ECHO's Champ Lane is a 2,200 square-foot exhibit and classroom designed to support early learners, educators and caregivers. The exhibit will serve as the platform for development of the critical STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) early learning focused curriculum.

Through this grant, ECHO will reinforce its value as a community asset by improving access to all, increasing access to early science learning and extending its reach as a provider of STEM education.

Opened in February, this space brings visitors from birth to six-years old a learning-through-play experience with hands-on opportunities that spark curiosity in their world. Areas of specific interest include ecology, science, math, biology, zoology, cultural studies and nutrition in a fun, engaging setting following a Lake Champlain narrative. 

The James M. Cox Foundation, is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group operate. Dealer.com, a Cox Automotive brand, is located in Burlington, Vermont and has long supported ECHO.

"As a technology company, we understand the importance of STEM programs," said Cox Automotive's Chief Product Officer Rick Gibbs. "We also know that early learning puts children on a path to success. By providing STEM and early learning programs, ECHO is enriching the community's children for a bright future."

Benefiting from this grant are the community and the 56,000 children who visit ECHO each year, including:

• 5,000 preschoolers from northwestern Vermont;
• 1,500 children and 1,000 adult caregivers utilizing programming for under-resourced families as part of a partnership with the Greater Burlington YMCA, the King Street Center, Burlington Children's Space and Gan Yeladim;
• 500 early childhood caregivers and educators working to incorporate STEM education and environment stewardship into their own experiences;
• 10,000 guests utilizing the ECHO Open Door access program via discounted library pass admission, social service agency vouchers, the free Community Science Night or complimentary memberships from ECHO's You Give, We Give annual matching program.

About ECHO:
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is an innovative science center and lake aquarium located on Burlington, Vermont's Waterfront. ECHO leverages its unique setting to inspire and engage people to become advocates for a healthier Lake Champlain. ECHO uses its numerous interactive exhibits and animal ambassadors to educate and delight about the Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity for stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. ECHO is the public face of the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre campus that also includes the University of Vermont Rubenstein Ecosystem Laboratory and research vessel, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial. ECHO boasts an eclectic gift shop and café featuring food prepared by SugarSnap. Open year-round, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day. For more information visit echovermont.org, call (toll-free) 1.877.324.6386, or write to ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, One College Street, Burlington, VT 05401.

About The James M. Cox Foundation:
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

SOURCE The James M. Cox Foundation

For further information: Jessie Forand, Communications Coordinator