Da Vinci Science Center Awarded $10,000 Semiquin Grant

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tamara Krizek, tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, PA, August 20, 2025 – Da Vinci Science Center was awarded a $10,000 grant from America250PA’s second Semiquincentennial Grant Round for the Lehigh County Treasure Trail Markers project. This funding enables the Lehigh County Treasure Trail to invite residents and visitors to explore 17 of the region’s most treasured historical, cultural, and recreational landmarks, including Da Vinci Science Center. Participants in Da Vinci Science Center’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) initiative will design and prototype the weather resistant, removable, and theft resistant markers.

Over five weeks, students will learn how an industrial designer goes from initial concept to finished product using software for 2D digital design, compare manufacturing processes, and assemble the final projects, as well as become familiar with the selected sites in the Lehigh Valley! The result: professional-quality trail markers that blend creativity, engineering, and storytelling.

“We are excited to contribute to Pennsylvania’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—and to engage our neighbors in meaningful ways that reflect our shared values while pointing toward a hopeful future,” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of Da Vinci Science Center. “This is a fantastic way for us to have students and staff working on a project in our Fab Lab for the benefit of the other sites on the Treasure Trail. We are so proud to be a part of this project.”

“It’s thrilling to see so many Pennsylvania communities and organizations stepping up with meaningful, engaging, and inspiring plans as we approach the Semiquincentennial,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “These grants are giving Pennsylvanians the tools to come together, remember where we’ve been, and imagine what comes next. America250PA is incredibly proud to support this work, and grateful to Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly for making it possible.”

For more information about the Semiquincentennial Grants, please visit https://www.america250pa.org/Semiquin_Grants.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Tamara Krizek at tamara.krizek@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, 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).

About America250PA

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.

America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. That shared history gives us the foundation to better understand the origins and diverse viewpoints on the challenges affecting both our Commonwealth and our nation. The Commission’s ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit www.america250pa.org.

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