KID Museum has announced that it is officially becoming “KID,” a new name the Bethesda-based organization says reflects its evolution beyond the traditional concept of a museum.
Founded in 2012, the organization describes its next chapter as an “innovation and discovery lab” focused on helping young people develop skills for the future while expanding its work with schools, educators and communities.
While the name is changing, KID’s physical location and existing programming will remain. The organization will continue to offer programs including Open Explore Sundays, summer camps, after-school programs and field trips.
According to KID, nearly half a million students, educators, families, caregivers and community members have participated in its programs since its founding. In addition to experiences at its physical location, the organization now partners with schools, provides resources and support to educators, and develops and tests new approaches to teaching and learning.
KID said the rebrand comes as artificial intelligence and other rapidly changing technologies are reshaping the skills young people will need in the future. Its educational approach, which it calls the “Mind of a Maker,” emphasizes curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, resilience and confidence through hands-on learning.
As part of its next phase, KID plans to expand its work regionally and nationally, with a goal of increasing its reach fivefold over the next five years. “We may have a shorter name, but our vision for the future has never been bigger and bolder,” founder and executive director Cara Lesser said in announcing the change.
