PRESS RELEASE – The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center has been awarded an $819,200 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (MI-LEO) 2025 Community Museum Empowerment Grant program. This award places the Air Zoo among just seven institutions across Michigan selected for their ability to inspire and empower communities through transformative programming. With this support, the Air Zoo is launching Making Space in Michigan, a multi-year initiative designed to prepare the next generation for high-demand aerospace, robotics, and engineering careers. The program will feature new exhibits, teacher resources, hands-on educational programs, and community engagement opportunities to spark curiosity and build skills that meet the needs of Michigan’s future workforce.
For decades, the Air Zoo has been dedicated to bringing science and innovation to life, both on the exhibit floor and in classrooms throughout the region. Making Space in Michigan continues that legacy by introducing permanent aerospace exhibits and interactive installations, expanding educator and school programming, and offering new career pathways and professional roles within the organization. The initiative will also deliver mobile and community-based experiences to engage learners beyond the museum walls. With additional support from the Tyler-Little Family Foundation and programming expertise from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), this ambitious project has already begun. It will unfold in phases through 2029, with each milestone offering new opportunities for the public to explore and engage.
“All the stars just seemed to align – and all the right people are in place,” said Troy Thrash, Air Zoo President and CEO. “This funding empowers us to expand our mission in an exciting new way, support educators, and help grow Michigan’s already strong aerospace industry for decades to come.” The Air Zoo is an internationally recognized, Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science center located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Home to more than 100 rare and historically significant aircraft, over 80,000 artifacts, flight simulators, amusement rides, a theater, and a world-class restoration program specializing in WWII aircraft recovered from Lake Michigan, the Air Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind destination for families, students, and aviation enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.airzoo.org.
