ALLENTOWN, Pa., December 13, 2012 – The Da Vinci Science Center (DSC) has awarded $9,000 to schools and child care providers from its Science Inquiry Fund (SIF) for 2013.

The Science Inquiry Fund underwrites Da Vinci Science Center field trips and Science On the Move Programs for schools and child care providers based on availability, need, and interest. These scholarships provide additional area children the opportunity to engage in science with their hands, their minds, and their hearts and introduce them to futures as scientists, engineers, and technicians in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. The Science Inquiry Fund was supported for 2013 by Avantor Performance Materials, Center Valley, Pa.; Daiichi Sankyo, Parippany, N.J.; and Fisher Clinical Services, Allentown, Pa.

More than 850 students from preschool through high school will participate in Da Vinci Science Center experiences in 2013 with Science Inquiry Fund Support.

The Science Inquiry Fund was created in 2011 responding to economic challenges from which school districts have decreased spending on programs and services dramatically. The Science Inquiry Fund enables companies to provide for field trips and programs more efficiently to larger numbers of students across the Da Vinci Science Center’s 14-county service area.

The 2013 Science Inquiry Fund recipients are as follows: Allentown School District Newcomer Academy, Allentown, Pa.; Lehigh Parkway Elementary School, Allentown, Pa.; Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Judith Chase Early Learning Center, Allentown, Pa.; Lincoln Elementary School, Bethlehem, Pa.; Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School, Allentown, Pa.; Roosevelt Elementary School, Allentown, Pa.; South Mountain Middle School, Allentown, Pa.; Union Terrace Elementary School, Allentown, Pa.

Schools qualifying for Science Inquiry Fund support serve student bodies in which at least 50 percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Qualifying child care centers serve student bodies in which more than 50 percent of children qualify for a Pennsylvania Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy.

Da Vinci Science Center experiences funded by its Science Inquiry Fund for 2013 will take place between Jan. 1-April 5, 2013.

News Contact @DSC: Dennis Zehner, 484.664.1002, Ext. 112 l News Media Resources