The Reading Science Center (RSC) acknowledges a generous $60,000 grant from the Neag Foundation, which will help expand our “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.

Ignite and Excite field trips have become 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.  The grant will impact 6,000 students for trips scheduled in the 2024/25 school year.

“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 live'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.

Do you know someone looking for a rewarding internship that allows them to share their love of learning with the next generation? Look no further than The Reading Science Center! We are currently seeking a part-time educational and marketing assistant intern for the Fall to work with school aged children ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade. College credit is available. 

Our first-ever Celebrate Science Day, held this past April, was an incredible success, drawing around 800 guests from Berks County and beyond. Children of all ages had the opportunity to dive into the wonders of science, engaging with hands-on activities and demonstrations that sparked their curiosity and excitement. The event was filled with laughter, learning, and a palpable sense of wonder as our future scientists explored and discovered. We are deeply grateful to Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health for their partnership and support, which played a crucial role in making this event possible. Celebrate Science Day has set a high bar for future events, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of inspiring young minds in our community. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this day truly memorable!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Brenntag

Penn National Entertainment

Reading Science Center will reveal a whole new set of exhibits and science museum floorplan just in time for visitors and school children to enjoy this Fall. Thanks to our continuing partnership with EnerSys Women in Leadership, we are throwing an "Unveiling Party" free to the public on September 21, 2024.  On this special day, EnerSys Women in Leadership will provide a hands-on circuit-making activity and introduce the new Glow Wall! Join us on September 21st for this fun event!

EnerSys Women in Leadership is a group of EnerSys employees supporting the leadership and growth of women and shaping a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging.  Reading Science Center is thrilled to have their incredible support for our educational programming. Don’t miss this opportunity to ignite your curiosity and explore the wonders of science with us!

The Reading Science Center’s 2023 Impact Report is now available online.  To read all the ways Reading Science Center benefits the Berks community, click the button below.

It’s that time of year again! Voting for Berks County Living’s Best of Berks 2024 is live! If you love the Reading Science Center, consider taking a moment to vote for us as Best Local Non-Profit and Best Local Family Fun Spot.

HOW TO VOTE

Best of Berks voting will end on August 18, 2024. You can submit one vote per day, per device.

Be our guest at the Reading Science Center’s 5th annual fundraiser, now reimagined as the Mad Science Experiment! Formerly known as the Whiskey Experiment, this event brings together the best elements of our first four fundraisers with exciting new additions. Guests will enjoy sampling a variety of whiskeys, spirits, and wines from local distilleries and vineyards, with the opportunity to purchase bottles to take home. Our event will also feature a delectable selection of light food, a cash bar, and a silent auction filled with incredible treasures. For those seeking a VIP experience, our exclusive lounge offers upscale cocktails, desserts, and coffee tastings, providing a perfect setting for networking and relaxation. 

This year, we are introducing the Silly Science Olympics! Sponsored teams of four will compete in engaging STEM challenges throughout the evening, adding a fun and competitive edge to the festivities. 

The Reading Science Center provides access to science education for the youth in our community, especially within the local school districts. This is only possible with the help of generous supporters like a local realtor with Keller Williams Platinum Realty, Amanda Higginbotham, who pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from every house she sells this year! “I knew I wanted to help close to home, but I also knew that with just having a baby, time and energy is limited,” she said. She wanted to help anyway she could. “It doesn’t have to be a lot, give what you can,” whether that's time as a volunteer, or monthly donations. 

With recurring giving, Amanda is making a significant impact in her community. You can too! Help us sustain programs like Sisters in STEM or the Ignite and Excite Field Trip Program by setting up recurring giving through our secure website today!

Dear Friends of the Reading Science Center,

As we look forward to the coming months, I am excited to share some wonderful news and opportunities with you.

First, we are actively seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Our volunteers make a significant impact on the young minds we serve. By donating your time as a docent during our open hours, Tuesday and Saturday from 10-4, or during scheduled field trips, you can help ensure our guests have a full and enriching experience at the Reading Science Center. Whether you are passionate about science, education, or community service, we welcome you to help us inspire and engage our visitors. 

Secondly, we are thrilled to announce that the Reading Science Center will be undergoing a fantastic transformation this August. We are refreshing our exhibits and adding exciting displays to enhance our visitor experience. These updates will be ready just in time for the fall school year, and we can't wait for you to see the newly organized center. This is the perfect time to plan a visit and explore our hands-on science exhibits during open hours or book a field trip or group visit! We are now accepting field trip reservations for the 2024/2025 school year.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ignite a passion for science in the next generation.