April 24, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable night at the 2nd Annual Science Soiree and STEAM Awards Celebration to advance our mission of bringing science to life and lives to science!
This inspirational evening will feature the presentation of our annual student and educator STEAM Awards. In addition, we are honored to present Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor, an astronaut, geoscientist, artist, poet, and trailblazing space communicator with our Pioneer in Science and Creativity Award. Dr. Proctor’s visionary work fuses science, creativity and humanity, inspiring future explorers to see themselves as pioneers of possibility.
As a tribute to Dr. Proctor, local students will be recognized for submissions as Pioneers in Science and Creativity as well.
Your sponsorship propels our shared vision of advancing science learning forward, enhancing quality of life, and strengthening economic development across the Valley—all while creating a dazzling, memorable night of discovery and celebration.
Ways to get involved:
- Interested in volunteering to help organize the auction or execute the event?
- Would you like to donate a prize for the auction?
- Would you like to sponsor the event?
- Contact Julie Ambrose at julie.ambrose@davincisciencecenter.org.
Be Recognized at this year’s Science Soiree
There are several different ways for students and educators to achieve recognition at the Science Soiree. Check out the opportunities below.
Stars of Tomorrow: A Celebration of Student Creativity
Open to: High School Students of any age (individuals or small groups)
Contest Dates: Dec. 8, 2025-Feb. 9, 2026
This year’s Da Vinci Science Center Science Soirée, A Night of Many Stars, will honor Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor—astronaut, artist, scientist, and visionary—with the Pioneer in Science & Creativity Award.
Dr. Proctor made history on Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight mission. She is the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, orbiting our planet in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as part of the Inspiration4 mission. Her call sign, “Leo,” connects her journey to both the stars above and the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci, whose fusion of art and science continues to inspire innovation centuries later.
Her motto, “Space2Inspire,” encourages us all to use our unique gifts to make the world—and beyond—a better place. Watch Dr. Proctor’s short video called Earthlight by Astronaut.
Now we’re inviting students to explore their own Space2Inspire as part of this year’s Night of Many Stars. Winners will have their art showcased at this year’s Science Soiree and will meet Dr. Proctor.
STEAM Student Scholarship Awards
Open to: High School Students in Lehigh and Northampton counties
Application Deadline: Jan. 19, 2026
The Science Center seeks spectacular high school science students in Lehigh and Northampton counties for prestigious student awards. In addition to joining a long list of notable prior winners, each of the honorees shall receive a $2,000 scholarship.
We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply. All awards are merit-based, and some also take financial need into consideration.
Scholarships awarded ($2,000 each):
- One (1) Erel STEM Scholarship Award 1 – open to girls only
- Two (2) High School Seniors – open to all genders
- One (1) 9th to 11th Grade Student – open to all genders (this award will take financial need into consideration)
- One (1) Allentown School District 9th to 11th Grade Student – open to all genders
STEAM Educator Awards
Open to: K-12 STEAM Educators in Lehigh and Northampton counties with at least 2 years of teaching experience
Nomination Deadline: Jan. 19, 2026
Da Vinci Science Center is looking for three K-12 educators who go above and beyond to engage students in high-quality, innovative STEAM projects that integrate subjects and connect the classroom to the real world. Award recipients will receive a $1,000 cash grant for their school to invest in STEAM education supplies or programs and an individual lifetime membership to Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion.
Both early-career and more experienced educators will be considered, but nominees must have at least 2 years of teaching experience and work at a public or private school in Lehigh or Northampton county, and not be a previous award winner.
You need only provide a 2-3 sentence statement in your nomination. We’ll contact the nominee and ask them to submit an essay that describes their approach to STEAM teaching and learning and gives specific examples of student work in class and/or after-school. Educators may nominate themselves.
APRIL 24, 2026
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Business Cocktail Attire
Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
815 W. Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
