CLEVELAND (August 21, 2026) – A $500,000 gift to Great Lakes Science Center from the Nordson Corporation Foundation of Westlake, Ohio, will help ensure STEM educational experiences are accessible to students attending Title I eligible schools in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties.
The company’s support of the Science Center’s endowment will generate enough money annually to provide field trips for K-8 students in the two counties, reflecting Nordson’s commitment to STEM education across Northeast Ohio and beyond. Founded in Lorain County in 1954, Nordson has a long history of investing in STEM educational opportunities where its employees live and work.
"This investment is a reflection of Nordson’s longstanding commitment to STEM education and strengthening the talent pipeline that will drive our region’s economic growth and innovation,” said Maria Spangler, Director of the Nordson Corporation Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the Great Lakes Science Center in expanding access to engaging experiences and inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers.”
The Nordson gift supports the Science Center’s ongoing commitment to making STEM education and careers accessible for all, said Dr. Kirsten Ellenbogen, Great Lakes Science Center’s president & CEO.
“Research shows field trips provide measurable benefits for students, including increased interest and engagement in science as well as improved recall of content,” said Ellenbogen. “These kinds of experiences in informal learning environments encourage young learners to see themselves as STEM-capable and help prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.”
“The funds are an incredible boost to ensuring the Science Center continues its commitment to accessible field trips in perpetuity,” Ellenbogen said. This generous gift brings the Science Center closer to its goal of increasing the size of its endowment fund to $10 million.
“Nordson’s support of the Science Center’s endowment is an investment in a brighter future for our region, helping today’s students become tomorrow’s engineers, innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs,” she said.
About Great Lakes Science Center
Great Lakes Science Center celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, as a STEM education leader in Northeast Ohio having welcomed more than 10 million visitors since opening. The Science Center is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, and produced Total Eclipse Fest in 2024, one of the largest free eclipse events in the country. Today, more than 300,000 visitors a year experience hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, the historic Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps and more. A 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, the Science Center earned a Charity Navigator Four Star Rating in 2025 and is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Visit GreatScience.com for more information.
About Nordson Corporation
Nordson Corporation is an innovative precision technology company that leverages a scalable growth framework through an entrepreneurial, division-led organization to deliver top tier growth with leading margins and returns. The Company’s direct sales model and applications expertise serve global customers through a wide variety of critical applications. Its diverse end market exposure includes consumer non-durable, medical, electronics and industrial end markets. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the Company has operations and support offices in over 35 countries. Visit Nordson on the web at www.nordson.com, linkedin/Nordson, or www.facebook.com/nordson.