Lehigh Times

Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that the state is investing $11 million to the Da Vinci Science Center’s creation of a second location focused on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) hands-on learning.

According to a release on April 22, Wolf met with Allentown officials to discuss the invents made possible through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The new science center is slated to be 67,300 square feet with 30,000 square feet of STEAM based interactive exhibits, an 8,600 square foot STEAM learning center, a 150-seat demonstration theater, a courtyard and space for exhibits.

“The Da Vinci Science Center is grateful for the generous support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to make our new facility in downtown Allentown a reality,” said Lin Erickson, executive director and CEO of Da Vinci Science Center. “This project would not be possible without the support of Governor Wolf and the Lehigh Valley delegation and will ensure that Da Vinci Science Center is poised to inspire our students today to be the STEAM workforce of tomorrow.”

Since Wolf entered office more than $58.5 million in funds through the RACP have been awarded to 38 Lehigh County projects. The RACP funds are for expansion projects, creating jobs, training employees and other efforts to revitalize the local community.

“The Da Vinci Science Center has long been an innovative hub where children of all ages could experience hands-on STEAM learning,” said Wolf. “This investment in the center’s expansion is an investment in a bright future for every child who walks through the door and the local economy alike.”

The Da Vinci Science Center’s website says that the roots of the center go back to 1992, when Lehigh University created a Science Model Area Resource Team (SMART). It then became an independent non-profit in 1999 and in 2005 the Science Center moved to Allentown, where it is located today.

An invitation to bid for the new project has been posted on the Da Vinci Science Center website, with a bid due date of Friday, May 6 at 3 p.m. Bids must be sent to Steve Butz, 840 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 600, Allentown, PA, 18105.

More information can be found at davincisciencecenter.org.