Contact: Caroline Scutt, caroline.scutt@nulldavincisciencecenter.org 

ALLENTOWN, PA., Dec. 2022 — Da Vinci Science Center is pleased to announce it received a $79,750 grant from Truist Foundation to support its outreach programs, including the development and implementation of the new STEAM Career Pathways program.  

STEAM Career Pathways provides a series of graduated opportunities beginning in middle school and continuing through high school to further expose students to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) and help prepare them for STEAM careers and/or further study.   

“Students can start in an after-school or summer program and a few years later find themselves in a paid internship at the Science Center or other organization where they will gain experiences that will help prepare them for college and/or a career in technology, science or anything they choose,” explained Karen Knecht, Senior Director of STEAM Education. “Thank you to Truist Foundation for supporting this program and investing in today’s youth and the workforce of tomorrow.”  

Through interactive experiences and partnerships with area industry and universities, the Da Vinci Science Center will present STEAM subjects to students, teachers, and families in ways that relate to the real world. The grant support from Truist Foundation exemplifies the partnerships with companies dedicated to the community.  

“We’re proud to support programs like STEAM Career Pathways that create opportunities for students to learn about and prepare for high-demand, STEAM-related careers,” said Travis Rhodes, regional president for Truist’s Delaware Valley/Lehigh Valley Region. “Truist’s purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities and investing in programs like this can help ensure that our area’s students have accessible opportunities for their future success.”    

The STEAM Career Pathway program experiences are designed to increase knowledge, awaken interest, and promote fundamental skills to create an engaged and skilled 21st century STEAM workforce. Students who complete a series of programmatic activities and internship will receive a STEAM certificate. The goal is to expand opportunities for STEAM learning and foster a way of thinking that contributes to a more scientifically literate society prepared to engage in addressing the global challenges of our time.  

This program is one of many outreach programs that bring science to life in the community. Da Vinci Science Center educators engage students in classrooms, after school programs, and numerous community events to promote STEAM learning and inspire children to see themselves as future STEAM professionals.   

About The 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. Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. The recently launched Access for All program is one way the Science Center reduces financial barriers for visitors – offering $3 individual admission and $30 family memberships to qualified households. To learn more about these and other programs, visit www.davincisciencecenter.org and follow them on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter.   

 About Truist Foundation  Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.