Amid financial struggles, COSI reaches beyond its walls
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COSI is still anchored by its museum, but is reaching further into the community and beyond. Photos: Courtesy of COSI
COSI and its corporate partners are kicking off a 20-city, two-year program that will bring hands-on learning experiences to students across the country.
Why it matters: The science center is one of Columbus' most recognizable institutions, and the new program is another way to take its STEM focus beyond its walls.
The Human Innovation Experience (HIVE) is a national road show powered by partners in industries like aerospace, advanced manufacturing and engineering.
- HIVE launched this week in Newark, where eighth graders from Liberty Middle School experienced six "career exploration stations" modeled after real workplace environments.
- A $550,000 investment from Boeing enabled the Newark event, a model for future partnerships.
- COSI will be in San Francisco for an America 250 innovation showcase in May and D.C. for the National STEM Festival in June.
Zoom out: The center is making an "absolutely intentional" effort of late to take science outside the building, president and CEO Frederic Bertley tells Axios.
- Field trips have declined for years, and COSI leaders know they can't always rely on students coming to them.
What they're saying: "The mothership experience is: Please come to the building, come see our exhibits, our hands-on experiences, our educational programs," Bertley says.
- "But science is everywhere and for everyone, and we know, factually, that not everyone will have the good fortune to get on a yellow school bus and have a field trip to COSI."
Follow the money: COSI made layoffs to start 2026 and the center reportedly lost $1.3 million in 2024. Bertley tells Axios "the pressures that were there last year are still there this year."
- He says ticket sales are still "not optimal," but improving so far in 2026.
- Philanthropy has declined, too, both from corporate and individual contributors.
- Layoffs have "stabilized things" for now, but Bertley knows "it's a long-term process."
Between the lines: COSI's work isn't cheap — the nonprofit spent nearly $27 million in 2024.
- But when the center reaches beyond its walls, it typically does so with the financial backing of massive companies that help mission and budget align.
- Bertley says contributions like Boeing's often cover the cost of a specific program, but also "leave some residual dollars that help us on the bottom line."
The last word: "The lion's share of what we do outside the building has been funded by some entity — public, private, something has helped make that happen," Bertley says.
- "That does help our bottom line, but it also helps awareness. … When you do a killer program in the community, they're like, 'Oh my gosh, well I need to go to COSI now.'"
COSI's biggest event
Perhaps most emblematic of the center's outward focus is its biggest event of the year, the COSI Science Festival.
The intrigue: This week's festival features three days of community activities across Central Ohio, culminating in the Big Science Celebration on the center's grounds Saturday afternoon.
- Dozens of science-oriented events come to community libraries, parks, breweries and businesses geared toward kids, adults and everyone in between.
Some highlights:
🧑🔬 The "Be a Scientist" series involves bringing engineering simulations, nature hikes and a soap box derby to community museums and parks.
🍻 The "Adult Science" series includes in-depth conversations, beer-oriented events and even a grown-up egg drop challenge.
🔬 The "Creative Sparks" series is designed to get kids interested, with sessions on butterflies, 3D printers, robots and sculpting.
🎉 The Big Science Celebration headlines the festival on Saturday, when 130 exhibitors line the Scioto Riverfront for a free "celebration of science and discovery" with demonstrations, lessons and other hands-on activities.
- Plus: Live music, food trucks, rocket launches and robot battles.
🗓️ Check out the full schedule.