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 investment places the Air Zoo among the top seven MI-LEO awarded institutions across the state chosen for their ability to inspire and empower communities.
With this support, the Air Zoo will launch Making Space in Michigan, a multi-year initiative featuring aerospace career-focused exhibits, programs, and interpretation designed to fuel Michigan’s future workforce.
As southwest Michigan’s hub for STEAM innovation—and with funding support from MI-LEO and the Tyler-Little Family Foundation—the Air Zoo will deliver a suite of aerospace programming, teacher resources, and career development opportunities.
“All the stars just seemed to align – and all the right people are in place,” stated Troy Thrash, Air Zoo president & CEO. “The investments made by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Tyler-Little Family Foundation have created an opportunity for us to support our community in an exciting new way. . .This new program will create opportunities for us to grow Michigan’s already strong aerospace industry for decades to come.”
With this support, the Air Zoo will launch Making Space in Michigan, a multi-year initiative featuring aerospace career-focused exhibits, programs, and interpretation designed to fuel Michigan’s future workforce.
As southwest Michigan’s hub for STEAM innovation—and with funding support from MI-LEO and the Tyler-Little Family Foundation—the Air Zoo will deliver a suite of aerospace programming, teacher resources, and career development opportunities.
“All the stars just seemed to align – and all the right people are in place,” stated Troy Thrash, Air Zoo president & CEO. “The investments made by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Tyler-Little Family Foundation have created an opportunity for us to support our community in an exciting new way. . .This new program will create opportunities for us to grow Michigan’s already strong aerospace industry for decades to come.”
