Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders Thanksgiving Point CEO McKay Christensen & VP of Development Natalie Cope
Jun 13, 2025
26:28
In this episode of the Silicon Slopes Podcast, we sit down with McKay and Natalie from Thanksgiving Point to discuss their groundbreaking new initiative: a Tech and Science Center for Kids. Discover how this center aims to bridge the gap in STEM education for children from all backgrounds, particularly those from low-income families.
Learn about the inspiration behind this project, the role of Thanksgiving Point in the community, and the incredible impact it aims to have on the future workforce of Utah. We also delve into the history of Thanksgiving Point, its mission, and the philanthropic spirit that drives its initiatives.
00:00 - Introductions and Greetings
00:25 - Current Events and Tech Center Introduction
01:02 - Overview of the Tech and Science Center for Kids
02:01 - Mission and Background of Thanksgiving Point
02:59 - STEM Job Statistics and Income Gap
04:44 - Access to Opportunity and Personal Motivation
05:52 - Free Access for Low-Income Families
07:07 - Community Involvement and Support
09:40 - Outreach to Rural Utah
11:06 - History of Thanksgiving Point
14:07 - Alan and Karen Ashton's Legacy
15:16 - Community-Led Organization
16:01 - Future Vision for Thanksgiving Point
17:08 - Curiosity Farms and Ag Tech Center
18:13 - Use of AI in Exhibit Design
19:30 - State Support and Partnerships
21:21 - Philanthropy in Utah
22:16 - Encouraging Silicon Slopes Participation
22:51 - Upcoming Projects: Sphere of Light
24:08 - Community Events and Corporate Partnerships
25:56 - Gratitude and Membership Impact
If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.
Our website:
https://www.siliconslopes.com
Show Links:
https://thanksgivingpoint.org
Social:
Twitter -
https://twitter.com/siliconslopes
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/silic
onslopes/
LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/
YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
Learn about the inspiration behind this project, the role of Thanksgiving Point in the community, and the incredible impact it aims to have on the future workforce of Utah. We also delve into the history of Thanksgiving Point, its mission, and the philanthropic spirit that drives its initiatives.
00:00 - Introductions and Greetings
00:25 - Current Events and Tech Center Introduction
01:02 - Overview of the Tech and Science Center for Kids
02:01 - Mission and Background of Thanksgiving Point
02:59 - STEM Job Statistics and Income Gap
04:44 - Access to Opportunity and Personal Motivation
05:52 - Free Access for Low-Income Families
07:07 - Community Involvement and Support
09:40 - Outreach to Rural Utah
11:06 - History of Thanksgiving Point
14:07 - Alan and Karen Ashton's Legacy
15:16 - Community-Led Organization
16:01 - Future Vision for Thanksgiving Point
17:08 - Curiosity Farms and Ag Tech Center
18:13 - Use of AI in Exhibit Design
19:30 - State Support and Partnerships
21:21 - Philanthropy in Utah
22:16 - Encouraging Silicon Slopes Participation
22:51 - Upcoming Projects: Sphere of Light
24:08 - Community Events and Corporate Partnerships
25:56 - Gratitude and Membership Impact
If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.
Our website:
https://www.siliconslopes.com
Show Links:
https://thanksgivingpoint.org
Social:
Twitter -
https://twitter.com/siliconslopes
Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/silic
onslopes/
LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/
YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw