Reuben H Fleet Science Center

What it reported doing in 2024

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (the Fleet) operates the following programs and activities: Science ExhibitsThe Fleet features more than 120 interactive science exhibits in multiple galleries, as well as major traveling exhibitions. Visitors can create colored shadows, touch a tornado, examine the vibration of guitar strings, and get their hands on a variety of intriguing scientific phenomena. Permanent exhibitions include Studio X, where people can invent and create, and Design Zone where each thematic area will draw you into compelling scenarios where you can design your own experiences and solve real-world challenges while discovering that math isnt just a subject in school. Children rule in Kid City, just for kids ages five and under. Kid City contains a factory with conveyor belts, cranes, air chutes, an interactive fire truck, several Young Explorer computers, a child-size grocery store and much more. In Its Electric visitors of all ages can explore the science and history of electricity to life through an introduction to the types and uses of electricity. In addition to other galleries, New Science, Sun, Earth, and Universe, the Fleet offers a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. On weekends, scheduled programs such as the Genius in the House and Weekend Science Clubs provide additional opportunities for educational fun.IMAX Giant Dome TheaterThe Fleet is also home to the worlds first IMAX Dome Theater, presenting the biggest film and digital presentations on the planet. Its unique configuration wraps the audience in images and provides the illusion of being suspended in space. Film topics take audiences from outer space to under water, and every place in-between. Films are generally suitable for all ages. The Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theater also plays host to the monthly Sky Tonight planetarium show, which is led by an astronomer and paired with outdoor telescope viewing, courtesy of the San Diego Astronomy Association (weather permitting).Education ProgramsThe Fleet offers science education for students, seniors, teachers, and the public through lectures, classes, workshops, virtual programs, and more. Whether its a visit to the Fleet or a Science-to-Go program delivered at a school site, we offer programs accessible by everyone. The Fleet also runs half-day and full-day educational camps during school breaks. Camps are offered for grades pre-K8, and are designed to be fun, educational, hands-on, and to incorporate the Fleets Science Center Exhibit Galleries. Recent summer camp themes have included: chemistry, the human body, robotics, and space. The Fleets Education department also facilitates a number of community initiatives, including collaborative meetings with STEM partners across San Diego County, as well as science-themed events that occur in a variety of community locations.Craveology Cafe Craveology is the perfect location to pick up the lunch or treat youre craving. The casual, friendly atmosphere has a great selection of items, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, and flatbread pizzas. We can satisfy any growling stomach! And if youre looking to rejuvenate from your busy day, order one of our specialty coffees and have a seat at our beautiful patio, located in front of the iconic Balboa Park Bea Evenson Fountain. Admission to the Fleet is not required for a visit to Craveology, so stop by, feed your craving, and enjoy the view. North Star Science StoreThe North Star Science Store, located inside the Fleet, is the perfect place to shop for educational gifts, do-it-yourself kits, toys, and souvenirs. We offer a wonderful assortment of curious and hard-to-find items, a great selection of books, models, and more! Examine tons of science-related products to awaken the astronomer, physicist, or chemist within. Shop, learn, and enjoy!

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 75.3%; rating input score 75
• Fundraising efficiency: $3.37 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 2 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 33
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Fail
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -17%; rating input score 8; 8th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.32; rating input score 47; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.32; rating input score 33; 33rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 6.9%; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 1.9% per year; rating input score 100; 22nd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 2.6% per year; rating input score 100; 24th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -1.4% per year; rating input score 0; 9th percentile among comparable filings