MODS Awarded Grant For Character Development Children - Building a Better World Together Permanent Exhibit to Open in 2026

Central to this mission is the development of Building a Better World Together, a permanent exhibit designed to empower the next generation by integrating character development into the Museum’s offerings and inspiring young people to become confident, thoughtful leaders.

MODS received the prestigious grant through Fostering Character Through Children’s Museums, a Lilly Endowment initiative that aims to help museums develop new or expand existing efforts that explore and encourage the development of positive character traits such as curiosity, empathy, compassion, integrity, kindness, teamwork, respect, responsibility, courage and community awareness in children. MODS is one of just 15 children’s museums around the nation being funded through the initiative.

Slated to open in 2026, the 5,000-square-foot Building a Better World Together permanent exhibit will engage children and adults in a creative atmosphere that inspires innovative thinking and empowers them to make meaningful contributions to their families, communities and to the world around them.

“At the core of Building a Better World Together is a powerful question: How can a child take meaningful action to address today’s challenges and build a better world?” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “We champion education, which fosters knowledge, capacity and character traits — essentials for 21st-century learning. We are deeply grateful for this grant, which will enable us to place character at the forefront of our efforts to inspire hope, spark innovative solutions and empower the next generation to shape a brighter future.”

In 2022, MODS was designated as the Hub for Resilience Education by the Community Foundation of Broward, recognizing the Museum as a pivotal force in leading the community's conversation, education and action regarding sustainability and resilience.

What sets this project apart is its focus on character development. Through extensive research and feedback from more than 1,500 Museum guests, educators, community partners and staff, MODS identified four foundational traits — critical thinking, caring, cooperation and confidence — as essential for empowering children to navigate challenges and act with purpose, rooted in hope.

Building a Better World Together will be an immersive exhibit designed to inspire children of all ages to take meaningful action for a sustainable future. Highlights will include a digital theater exploring Florida’s past, present and future; live coral reef research station and an aquifer model showcasing conservation efforts; and a mangrove-themed climber that builds resilience and confidence. Interactive features like LEGO® Build the Change activities and a community pledge wall encourage teamwork, creativity and stewardship. Through age-appropriate activities, guests explore ecosystems, develop critical thinking and learn about the importance of caring for our planet.

Cox added, “As children grow, their experiences and lessons evolve and they have the opportunity to gain deeper understanding and a greater capacity to contribute. This project goes beyond teaching facts; it inspires lifelong values and empowers them to make a positive impact on the world.”

Building a Better World Together is only part of the Museum’s commitment to promote character development in children. The Museum’s intention is to cultivate character traits throughout its exhibits, programs and events. Key programs include the STEMobile, a mobile makerspace serving thousands of children annually, the Discovery Spot, an exhibit encouraging early learners and their families to explore the wonders of the Florida ecosystems, and leadership-building initiatives such as the EcoExplorers high school internship program. MODS is also introducing new resources, such as the 4C’s Family Resource Kit, to help parents nurture their children’s growth and establishing Character Corners at Broward County regional libraries to bring these values into the broader community.

“Children’s museums are places where children of all ages can learn informally, discovering new ideas through play, multi-sensory experiences and self-expression,” said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment’s Vice President for education and youth programs. “We are excited to see how the museums funded through this initiative will help children and their families to explore various character traits and reflect together on ways these traits can be practiced and strengthened.”

For more information, visit: https://mods.org.