Myles Garrett's love of dinosaurs is well-documented. Now, the lover of all things prehistoric is using his passion to promote the importance of science among young Clevelanders.
On Thursday, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History announced a new position, naming Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett the first-ever Community Science Ambassador. CMNH’s collaboration with Garrett establishes him as a “leader in promoting the importance of science and STEM,” the museum wrote in a press release. The institution's hope is that he'll focus on underrepresented members of the field.
“We have been so fortunate to get to know Myles, and we look forward to partnering with him in expanding access to science, especially in underserved communities,” CEO and President Sonia Winner writes in the press release. “This collaboration couldn’t begin at a better time, as the museum undergoes a major transformation and redoubles its efforts to increase accessibility and engagement — key objectives outlined in our strategic plan.”
Garrett is tasked with raising awareness for the museum through collections, events and educational programming throughout Northeast Ohio. Details for the programs and how they will focus on underserved demographics remain unspecified.
Perhaps a portent of his future contributions, Garrett partnered with CMNH and the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio to screen Jurassic World: Dominion for local children over the summer. He and several Cleveland Browns teammates treated the kids to snacks and giveaways. Most recently, he hosted the Myles Garrett Back-to-School Kickoff to help prepare 200 students for the start of the new school year.
“I credit my family with teaching me the value of giving back to the community,” Garrett says in the press release. “Cleveland is my community, and I want to do my best to be a positive role model for our kids. I’m excited to continue working with the [Cleveland Museum of Natural History] team to share their important mission. Together, we can spark curiosity, improve science education and expand access in new and fun ways.”
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