NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tamara Krizek, 917-692-5038, tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org
ALLENTOWN, PA, March 4, 2025 – Da Vinci Science Center is deepening its commitment to education with the expansion of its District Connect program, an initiative designed to engage entire school communities—including not only students and educators, but their families and the broader community. Da Vinci Science Center is thrilled to continue making science accessible, exciting, and impactful at all levels.
District Connect is a comprehensive partnership program that provides schools with unique opportunities to integrate hands-on, inquiry-based STEAM learning into classrooms and beyond. Schools participating in District Connect gain access to a variety of benefits, including discounted field trips, professional development opportunities for educators, interactive outreach programs, and family engagement events, ensuring that science reaches every corner of the community.
“Science is at the heart of everything we do, and through District Connect, we are bringing STEAM learning to students in new and innovative ways,” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO at Da Vinci Science Center. “This program is more than just field trips—it’s about creating a lasting impact by engaging teachers, parents, and the entire community in the excitement of scientific discovery.”
District Connect provides engagement opportunities for students of all ages, from elementary through high school. Younger students can experience hands-on science workshops and interactive exhibits, while middle and high school students benefit from specialized programs at the science center like Career Connection Days, which introduce them to STEAM professionals and career pathways in science, technology, and healthcare. Schools also have access to professional development workshops that equip educators with strategies to engage students in inquiry learning and design thinking and community outreach programs that extend hands-on science education beyond school walls and into neighborhoods.
District Connect brings our mission to life—connecting science to life and lives to science. As an extension of our world-class educational programming, this initiative is designed to support the unique opportunities and challenges of each school district. We are committed to fostering learning communities, inspiring a love for discovery, and collaborating with passionate educators who share our vision. Together, we are advancing STEAM education in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Participating districts also gain access to family science nights, where students and their families can explore Da Vinci Science Center exhibits and activities together, fostering a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning at home.
“The District Connect initiative presents an exceptional opportunity to enrich the educational experience for students, staff, and families,” remarked Dr. Silva, Superintendent of Schools in the Bethlehem Area School District. “Through our collaboration with the Da Vinci Science Center, we are able to spark a passion for learning, equip our educators with valuable resources, and strengthen the bonds between our schools and the community at large.”
Da Vinci Science Center is actively expanding the District Connect program and invites school districts across the region to participate. Schools interested in bringing this transformative STEAM education experience to their communities can learn more by visiting davincisciencecenter.org/districtconnect or contacting Kate Hartney, Membership Manger, at kate.hartney@davincisciencecenter.org.
About Da Vinci Science Center
Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning non-profit science center that has been bringing science to life and lives to science for 30 years. With our exciting new downtown Allentown location, Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. To learn more about our programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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