Contribute
to the 50-For-50 Campaign
As we issue this call to action, we are proud of the Da Vinci Science Center's
accomplishments and our progress in strengthening our community's ability
to compete in the 21st century global economy.
We expect to inspire approximately 90,000 people this fiscal year with our exhibits, public programs, community outreach initiatives, and teacher professional development programs. This total would represent an increase of more than 20 percent from the previous fiscal year. We have deepened our reach in our backyard, and we have expanded our reach into the Philadelphia, central Pennsylvania, western New Jersey, and Pocono regions.
While we reflect on recent successes, we also must seize this moment by resolving to do more, and to do it now. The need to excite and ignite minds of all ages and build the next generation's technical workforce has reached a crisis level throughout the Lehigh Valley, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States. The Da Vinci Science Center provides solutions every day, but our need to expand our impact is immediate. The time has come to be bolder and stronger.
We can no longer afford to wait.
We can't wait because industries powered by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are suffering an alarming loss of talent as their workforce ages and shrinks.
That is why we're building partnerships with Workforce Investment boards, companies, government leaders, other nonprofit organizations, and educators at all grade levels to give every child an entry point into the workforce pipeline.
We can't wait because there is a disturbing lack of students and educators with strong STEM backgrounds at every grade level.
That is why we provide hands-on exhibits and programs that help pre-school and elementary students appreciate the wonders of science around them and help middle school students connect their classroom learning with incredible science career opportunities.
That also is why the Center created its Da Vinci Teacher Leader Institute (DVI) in 2004. More than 100 teachers have gained the content knowledge, the inquiry skills, and the confidence to inspire their students - many of whom study in urban schools and are not blessed with privilege. Objective data has shown that DVI programming has helped teachers teach more effectively and helped students raise their PSSA scores.
We can't wait because
so many talented kids slip through the cracks because they don't have that
one experience or that one mentor to show them that they too can do science
and math with their hands, their minds, and their hearts.
That is why we must find new and innovative ways to bring all children from eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey to the Center, or for the Center to bring science to them through our outreach programs. Letting just one child slip through the cracks is unacceptable.
We can't wait because all community members need to be scientifically-literate for our region to thrive.
That is why the Da Vinci Science Center provides public programs such as Fact Forums and Seniors Monday Science Workshops, and that is why the Center must continue expanding them.
We can't wait because there is a growing number of adult family members who cannot direct their children to fantastic STEM opportunities or do not understand the need to do so.
That is why we must help adults understand what is at stake for their children's future if they don't give them the tools to succeed and show them that math and science is not to be a source of fear, but a ticket to a better life.
We have spent a lot of time talking about this crisis, understanding it, learning that our programs do make a difference, and gaining confidence in all of the work we do.
The time for talking, however, is over. The moment to act is now. We can't wait.
That is why we are announcing our 50-for-50 Campaign to sustain and grow our organization immediately. We are seeking 50 gift units of $50,000 in the next year to complete payment on our building on Allentown's Hamilton Blvd. Bypass and to strengthen our programs. These gift units can be provided by a single donor or a group of donors of any size.
That is why we ask each of you to consider making a gift of any size to the 50-for-50 Campaign. We urge you to ask any Da Vinci Science Center employee or Trustee how you can help us with generous gift to ensure for our children the amazing quality of life we have come to expect in our community.
We can't wait. We need your help.
Sincerely yours,
Troy A. Thrash
Executive Director and CEO
