Community Celebration of Science at Da Vinci Science Center to Recognize Historic Astronaut and Artist, Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor and STEAM Scholarship Awardees from Across the Lehigh Valley

Science Soiree and STEAM Scholarship Awards will honor a Pioneer in Science and Creativity, students and teachers, and raise funds for community STEAM access.

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

ALLENTOWN, PA, April 1, 2026 –  An evening of inspiration, exploration, and community impact awaits at Da Vinci Science Center’s Science Soirée on Friday, April 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Featuring an address by honoree, astronaut and visionary artist Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor, the event will celebrate local STEAM scholarship recipients and raise support for expanding access to science education. The evening is presented by PPL and Evonik.

Community members can RSVP on the Science Center’s website.

The Science Center will award its Pioneer in Science and Creativity award to Dr. Sian Proctor. Dr. Proctor is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking journey aboard the Inspiration4 mission and her work as a futurist exploring the intersection of art and space exploration. Dr. Proctor is the first woman to pilot a commercial spaceship and first African American artist to paint in space.

The evening will recognize this year’s STEAM Scholarship Award winners, honoring outstanding educators and students who are advancing curiosity and innovation in their classrooms and academic journeys. These awards celebrate teachers who inspire discovery and students preparing for their next steps in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

The celebration also highlights the broader impact of the Linny Fowler STEAM Scholarship Fund, which ensures that families across the community can access Da Vinci Science Center programs including field trips, traveling science experiences, discounted memberships for families receiving government assistance, and summer camp opportunities.

“This event is a great chance to come together and celebrate the impact of both classroom STEAM education and informal STEAM education. It’s going to be a fun event. We’re thrilled to bring together a constellation of STEAM advocates, businesses, community members and friends.” said Dan Boskett, Chairman of the Board at Da Vinci Science Center and Director, Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown.

Community members unable to attend can still make a meaningful impact by contributing to the Linny Fowler STEAM Scholarship Fund. Every contribution helps ensure that access to science education is available to all students. Those wishing to support the Linny Fowler STEAM Scholarship Fund can donate at: davincisciencecenter.org/support/steam-scholarship-fund/

Event Details

Science Soiree and STEAM Scholarship Awards
April 24, 2026
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
815 W Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

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, the Da Vinci Science Center makes 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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