Discovery Education Station Incorporated
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Discovery Education Station, a Wisconsin-based, veteran and woman-founded nonprofit (501(c)(3)), fosters an inclusive haven where kids of all ages explore STEAM disciplines to ignite curiosity and inspire learning. We offer enriching classes, dynamic camps, engaging hands-on workshops, and clubs. We prioritize creating a safe space for families with special needs children, nurturing well-being, life skills, and strong family bonds. Together, we empower minds and build connections for a brighter future.
- Income
- $377,087
- Spending
- $351,614
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Highest pay
- $40,000, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 86% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
18 of 254 of 3 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- **Inclusive Youth & Family Services** Discovery Education Station provided inclusive educational, recreational, and enrichment programming for children, teens, and families throughout Central Wisconsin. Through after-school programs, summer camps, school break activities, adaptive recreation, community outings, and hands-on STEAM learning experiences, participants developed academic, social, emotional, and life skills in a safe and supportive environment. Programs were intentionally designed to serve youth of all abilities, with a strong emphasis on creating inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities to learn alongside their peers. Participants engaged in science, technology, engineering, arts, agriculture, and mathematics activities, creative projects, outdoor exploration, animal education, and collaborative problem-solving experiences that fostered curiosity, confidence, and independence. The organization also provided family-centered programming that strengthened relationships, encouraged community engagement, and reduced barriers to participation for families seeking inclusive educational and recreational opportunities. Community partnerships, volunteers, and local businesses helped expand access to high-quality programming while supporting Discovery Education Station's mission of empowering minds and transforming lives through education, innovation, exploration, and inclusion.
- **Disability Support Services (CLTS, IRIS, Respite & Community Inclusion)** Discovery Education Station provided individualized support services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities through the Children's Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program, IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), respite care, daily living skills instruction, and community inclusion services. These programs were designed to promote independence, improve quality of life, strengthen social connections, and support participants in reaching their personal goals. Participants received individualized instruction in life skills such as communication, personal hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, transportation, workplace readiness, decision-making, and community safety. Services also included recreational activities, educational outings, volunteer opportunities, and hands-on experiences that encouraged confidence, self-advocacy, and meaningful community participation. Discovery Education Station worked closely with families, care teams, schools, and community partners to ensure services were person-centered and responsive to each participant's unique strengths and needs. By providing consistent, compassionate support in inclusive community settings, the organization helped reduce caregiver stress while empowering individuals with disabilities to build independence, develop lasting relationships, and become active members of their communities.
- **Community Education & Outreach** Discovery Education Station strengthened community connections through educational outreach, public events, volunteer engagement, and collaborative partnerships that expanded access to inclusive learning opportunities for individuals and families throughout Central Wisconsin. The organization hosted educational events, family activities, seasonal programs, and community workshops that promoted science, technology, arts, environmental education, healthy living, and lifelong learning for participants of all ages and abilities. The organization also operated its Animal Ambassador Program, providing hands-on educational experiences that taught responsibility, compassion, conservation, and respect for animals and the natural world. Through interactive learning opportunities, participants developed confidence, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while engaging in meaningful educational activities. Throughout the year, Discovery Education Station continued building partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders to increase access to inclusive programming and strengthen local resources. Significant efforts were also dedicated to planning, fundraising, and developing Discovery Harbor and DiscoveryX, an expanded educational campus that will greatly increase the organization's ability to provide STEAM education, workforce development, life skills training, and inclusive learning experiences for children, teens, adults with disabilities, and families across Central Wisconsin.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2021.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: Discovery Education Services Inc (Orlando, FL), EIN 20-3366305. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.