Reading, PA – The Reading Science Center (RSC) is delighted to announce a $60,000 grant from the Neag Foundation, which will help expand the Ignite and Excite Field Trip Program for Berks County elementary schools. This funding will enable the RSC to provide a $10 discount per student starting in September 2024, significantly increasing access for schools throughout the region.
The Ignite and Excite Field Trip Program has been a cornerstone of RSC’s educational offerings since March 2022. Over the past two years, the program has provided immersive and interactive science experiences to thousands of students, fostering a love for science and enhancing critical skills. For trips scheduled in the 2024/25 school year, the grant will impact over 6,000 students.
“The Reading Science Center is deeply grateful to the Neag Foundation for this expansive support to make our field trips affordable to schools countywide. This gift honors the memory of both Ray and Carol Neag in a meaningful way, as their life’s work was spent advancing health and science in our community,” said Ralia Vardaxis, Reading Science Center Executive Director.
Field trips to the RSC offer integrated science activities that engage students in exciting ways. Each student works with their own set of materials to experience a true hands-on, inquiry-based investigation led by trained educators. Guided alongside knowledgeable docents, students also explore over 50 interactive exhibits in the science museum. Feedback for the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with students excitedly sharing their new aspirations to become scientists and their praise for the field trips as the best they’ve ever experienced.
“We look forward to visiting the RSC every year. What an amazing opportunity in our backyard for our students. The exhibits are perfect and offer just the right amount of hands-on play with questioning! The lesson with Solar System Sarah was incredible. It was engaging from start to finish for all learners — even adults too! I wish we could come every month!” said a Reading School District 2nd grade teacher.
The Reading Science Center extends its heartfelt thanks to the Neag Foundation for their ongoing commitment to science education. The grant funds will be used exclusively to subsidize the cost of field trips, ensuring that more schools can take advantage of this opportunity for students to experience the excitement of scientific exploration and discovery.
Learn more about a class field trip experience to the Reading Science Center or book your trip now by visiting www.readingsciencecenter.org/field-trips.
