NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline Scutt, caroline.scutt@nulldavincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, PA. July 14, 2021 – The Da Vinci Science Center is pleased to announce it is the recipient of $3 million of Community Project Funding secured by Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) from the House Appropriations Committee to support the building of its new state-of-the-art facility in downtown Allentown.

The new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion will be able to meet the surging interest in STEAM learning while simultaneously providing enhanced educational programs in support of the increased emphasis being placed on fully integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) education in school curricula throughout the greater Lehigh Valley region.

“STEAM education is more important than ever in our rapidly-changing world. We cannot thank Congresswoman Wild enough for investing in the development of a major new science center in downtown Allentown. Federal funding will help ensure that we break ground for the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion in downtown Allentown in early 2022.” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO. “We are so pleased that Congresswoman Wild and her congressional colleagues recognize the importance of expanding access to science learning for youth and families. Science literacy empowers individuals, spurs economic development and contributes to a healthy, vibrant community.”

Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion will expand access to science learning for youth in families in low- and moderate-income households as well as be a major economic driver for downtown Allentown. Upon opening to the public in 2024, the Science Center will attract 400,000 visitors to downtown Allentown annually and is forecast to generate more than $33,000,000 in economic output and support 287 full-time jobs.

“Public funding is critical to this project, and we are fortunate to have local, state and federal financial support, as well as the endorsement of school, business and other community leaders,” Erickson noted. “We are building a community-based science center and our success is dependent upon the support and involvement of the entire community,” she added.

About the Da Vinci Science Center
The Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning science center that has brought science to life and lives to science since 1992. Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. An independent nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status, the Da Vinci Science Center engages more than 150,000 participants annually with its exhibits, programs, events, and partnerships.