News

12.19.2003

State of Connecticut Approves Funding to Build the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration

HARTFORD, CT – (December 19, 2003) –  Connecticut State Bond Commission today approved $92 million in Urban Act bond funds to build the Connecticut Center for Science and Exploration, a powerful new science and math educational institution for the state of Connecticut.

Under the leadership of a state-wide Board of Trustees assembled from the highest levels of education, business and technology, more than $9 million in commitments have already been secured in order to initiate the project.

"Connecticut has long enjoyed a leadership role in math, science and technology, and we must instill in our children the thrill of discovery and opportunity of science," said Governor John G. Rowland. “With this type of educational exposure comes an increased appreciation for math and science that should translate into more Connecticut students choosing math or science as their primary field of study.”

The Board of Trustees, co-chaired by Dr. Henry A. McKinnell, Pfizer chairman and CEO, is an assembly of the most influential and prestigious educational and business entities in the state. These leaders are giving their time, energy, expertise and funds in order to bring the Center to fruition.

The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will serve as an extension of the state’s science and technology curriculum inspiring and educating students and teachers, as well as parents through an interactive process of discovery and exploration. It will also enhance and facilitate student learning in preparation for the Connecticut Mastery Tests for science when they are launched in 2008.

Programming for the Center, envisioned as a sustainable and popular science center that engages schools and families and has a significant impact on learning in Connecticut, is being planned with the help of a committee lead by Yale University President Mr. Richard Levin.

“The Connecticut Center for Science and Exploration will provide programs and educational support services for science, technology and mathematics learning, with a particular focus on families, students and teachers," said Mr. Levin. "We will enable exploration of science and technology for the young, and encourage adults to become more familiar with the role of science in society. We will use our presence to enhance Connecticut's identity as a center for science and technology.”

The Center is planned for an easily accessible, centrally located site along the Connecticut River on land donated to the Center by The Phoenix Companies, which represents a $4.85 million in-kind commitment.

“With the generous land and cash commitments they have already made, the private sector is stepping in to help create the Center,” said Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration President and CEO Dr. Theodore S. Sergi. “The $92 million bonded for the Center is about the same price as building a new high school that would serve 1,200 students. Instead, we expect to serve 200,000 Connecticut students and an addition 200,000 visitors per year. That is a significant return on investment,” continued Sergi.

“The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will help ensure that our children and our state will be able to compete in tomorrow’s technologically driven world,” said Governor Rowland. “Now is the time to spark our students’ interests in math, science and technology by creating a vibrant, stimulating educational institution where students and families alike can learn together.”

The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will be a public learning resource that recognizes the diversity of learning needs and offers its visitors a wide range of possible learning environments that encourage inquiry and exploration of concepts. The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration can support more formal educational institutions by offering social, interactive and hands-on activities that complement and enhance the textbook and classroom activities offered by schools. The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration recognizes that the relevance and interests of its programs will motivate participation by families as well as schools, and that visitors will arrive as a social group seeking learning experiences geared toward family and group learning.

The Center’s statewide mission is to engage children, adults and families in the exploration of science, mathematics, and technology through interactive learning experiences. The innovative programming will develop science, math, and technology aptitude in Connecticut’s future workforce, as well as strengthen the public’s appreciation and understanding of the ever-increasing complexity of our world.

Initial funding for the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration is provided by Pfizer, Inc., and the Pfizer Foundation, United Technologies Corporation, Aetna, The Hartford, Northeast Utilities Foundation, The Cheryl Chase and Stuart Bear Family Foundation, Steven A. Denning & Roberta Denning Bowman, Yale University, SBC SNET, University of Hartford, Laura & George Estes, the Connecticut State University System, Waterford Development, Capital Properties, Eastern Connecticut State University, the Connecticut Health and Education Facilities Authority, and the Capital City Economic Development Authority.