ST. LOUIS, MO. – June 9, 2023
Program to Increase Access to Science Center, STEM Programs for Underserved, Underrepresented Individuals
The Saint Louis Science Center today announced its new STL (Science and Technology Learning) for All membership program. During the program’s pilot phase, the Science Center is collaborating with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to offer free memberships to approximately 700 local families served by the Urban League Head Start/Early Head Start program.
The STL for All membership program is designed to break down barriers for community members who may not have opportunities to engage in science learning programs outside of the classroom and are traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers by providing access to the Science Center’s immersive, hands-on programming.
“The Science Center is thrilled to launch this program that we hope will engage even more people in STEM fun and learning,” said Amy Martin, senior director of individual giving and membership at the Science Center. “Our partnership with the Urban League will help us to reach the families most in need of access to STEM programming which helps to develop crucial 21st century skills like problem solving, collaboration, critical thinking and more.”
The memberships will include one year of membership benefits at the Science Center, including free tickets to paid venues like the OMNIMAX® Theater, McDonnell Planetarium, Discovery Room and more. The memberships will also include invitations to members-only events and programming, as well as waived parking fees.
Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start Dr. Gwendolyn Wilson Diggs stated, “STL for All supports the goal of school readiness for children in the Urban League Head Start/Early Head Start program. Our early learners receive STEAM lessons in the classroom and during the Saturday STEAM Academy. The Science Center’s STL for All program provides additional opportunities for children and families to gain hands-on experiences in a STEMrich environment. We are excited about our partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center!”
Todd Bastean, president and CEO of the Science Center, added, “Missouri has been identified as an emerging hub for the tech sector, and among St. Louis’ top hard-to-fill jobs, many are reliant on STEM skills. As a community institution, it is important for the Science Center to help ensure everyone has access to programs that will spark an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are excited about the STL for All membership program and our partnership with the Urban League, as it is one way we intend to deliver our mission ‘to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.’”
About the Saint Louis Science Center
The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the award-winning Science Center engages guests through on-site experiences, including hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, which is one of just nine IMAX® Dome with Laser theaters in the world, and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium featuring the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the organization provides informal educational programming to schools and other organizations in the St. Louis community and is home to the nationally recognized Youth Exploring Science (YES) program, which works with underserved teens throughout their high school years to prepare them for in-demand STEM careers. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.
About the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
The mission of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. is to empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality and civil rights. As the leading champion of empowerment and opportunity for African Americans, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis envisions a region where all people: Are valued members of the community; Can adequately support themselves and their families; Live in neighborhoods that are vibrant and thriving; and Share in the region’s prosperity and
well-being.
For more information, or to schedule interviews with Science Center personnel, contact
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager.
Email or call 314.289.4461
