Skip to the content
Dec 22
Open Today! 10AM-5PM
Home > Posts, News, & Press Releases > Allentown School District and Da Vinci Science Center Celebrate the Launch of the ASD STREAM Academy
Posts & Press Releases

Allentown School District and Da Vinci Science Center Celebrate the Launch of the ASD STREAM Academy

September 26, 2024

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tamara Krizek, tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, Pa, Sept. 26, 2024 – On Tuesday morning, the Allentown School District (ASD) and Da Vinci Science Center proudly celebrated the official opening of the ASD STREAM Academy, an innovative program designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and creative problem-solvers. This collaborative effort, the first of its kind in the region, represents a groundbreaking partnership between a school district and a science center, bringing cutting-edge STEM and arts education directly to students.

The STREAM Academy—Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—was developed with the goal of creating immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that will engage students in critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. By combining academic excellence with real-world applications, the program is set to empower Allentown’s youth with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Da Vinci Science Center to bring this unique program to life,” said ASD Superintendent and CEO, Dr. Carol Birks. “The STREAM Academy will not only broaden our students’ horizons in science and technology, but it will also foster a deep love of learning and exploration across multiple disciplines.”

The opening event featured remarks from ASD leadership, representatives from Da Vinci Science Center, and local community leaders, all highlighting the positive impact the program will have on the children of Allentown.

“The STREAM Academy is a model for what education can be—engaging, innovative, and transformative,” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of the Da Vinci Science Center. “Our goal is to inspire curiosity and equip students with the tools to solve complex problems, which will benefit not just the students but the community as a whole.”

The ASD STREAM Academy will offer a wide range of hands-on projects, interactive exhibits, and educational experiences, all designed to integrate science and the arts in ways that are both fun and educational. The program will serve students across the district and provide them with unparalleled access to the resources of the Da Vinci Science Center, including access to special exhibits, industry professionals, and technology rarely found in traditional classrooms.

For more information about the ASD STREAM Academy, please contact Kendal Askins at Kendal.askins@davincisciencecenter.org.

About Da Vinci Science Center
The Da Vinci Science Center is a nonprofit organization that inspires curiosity and imagination through hands-on science experiences. Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the center engages visitors of all ages in learning about the wonders of science and technology, with a focus on making STEAM education accessible to all.

About Allentown School District
The Allentown School District serves over 16,000 students across the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania. The district is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life through innovative programs and community partnerships.

###

Explore More

See All Exhibits
Photo of a father and child experiencing one of the programs in Curiosity Hall

Curiosity Hall

Begin your adventure in Curiosity Hall, where the excitement reaches new heights – literally!

Sharks

Older than dinosaurs — and more threatened than threatening Sharks are spectacular, surprising, and often misunderstood.

Photo of a child interacting with one of the Vitruvian Hubs in Lehigh Valley Health Network My Body

Lehigh Valley Health Network
My Body

Embark on a journey into the incredible realm of the human body – the most sophisticated and complex machine on the planet!

Support Us

Your support will help us bring science to life and lives to science in so many ways — including our exhibit experiences, academic and visitor programs, professional development for educators, and our new facility.

Our Partners

Beall and Linny Fowler
B BraunPPL
Bob and Sandy Lovett
Lehigh Valley Health Network
The Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation
City Center Group