For Eric and Carly Nusbaum, supporting the Northern Virginia Science Center is more than philanthropy. It’s the continuation of a relationship that began long before they founded ENcompass Consulting Group, back when the Children’s Science Center Lab existed only as an idea.
“Many moons ago,” as Carly recalls, she and Eric worked alongside Jim Dunn, then COO of a small government contractor. Jim’s excitement for the idea of an interactive science museum in Northern Virginia was infectious. As lifelong Northern Virginians, Eric and Carly immediately understood the need. “Growing up here, I’m a little embarrassed we don’t have something like this,” Carly said. The vision of a place where families can explore, learn, and be inspired by science resonated with them both.
Their early involvement was personal and hands-on. One of their first memories includes building a parade float for the Children’sScience Center Lab in their own driveway! Years later, ENcompass made one of its first charitable gifts to the Foundation. At the Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, the company chose to be recognized on the donor wall with the element nobelium, chosen in part because its placement on the larger-than-scale periodic table was at eye level for their young children.
A decade later, those toddlers are now teens, and the Nusbaums' commitment to the Science Center has grown alongside them. For their investment in the Northern Virginia Science Center, ENcompass will be recognized by the element cobalt, whose vibrant blue color ties to their company branding and even their wedding palette. “It just made sense to us, ”Eric shared.
What has kept the Nusbaums engaged all these years? The transformative power of hands-on, immersive learning. Both Eric and Carly spoke about the unique ability of experiential science to spark creativity, something they believe will only become more important in a future shaped by AI. "Robots can memorize the periodic table,” Eric noted. “But creativity? Humans do that so much better.”
They also see the new Science Center as a community hub all ages—not a children’s playground, but an inclusive environment where adults and kids can explore, discover, and learn together. Covering 70,000 square feet, the Northern Virginia Science Center will open its doors to all ages—a big change from the Children’s Science Center Lab.
The Northern Virginia Science Center is grateful for the Nusbaums’ early belief in this vision, steadfast support, and shared commitment to a region where curiosity thrives and creativity shapes the future. To join ENcompass and the Nusbaums in bringing the Northern Virginia Science Center to life, contact Chief Advancement Officer Jenn Brunner at cao@childsci.org.
