EdVenture partners with The Franklin Institute to provide GSK Science in the Summer™
June 26, 2017
EdVenture is one of twenty-five institutions awarded a $12,000 grant from GSK and The Franklin Institute to provide GSK Science in the Summer™ camps across the Midlands to underrepresented populations. EdVenture is the only children’s museum to be chosen to participate.
GSK Science in the Summer™, a free science education program for elementary-age children designed to serve children from traditionally underrepresented populations, has been in operation for 30 years reaching more than 150,000 students to date. The four-part, hands-on science program for children grades 2-6 is designed to help curb the incidence of summer learning-loss while inviting children to explore big ideas. The program has been refined over the years using evaluation data and feedback from scientists, program providers, teachers, students and parents. GSK, a global healthcare company, created and sponsors the program, while it is administered by The Franklin Institute.
“This grant recognizes EdVenture’s leadership in delivering impactful science-based camp experiences as well as our commitment to children and families with limited resources,” said Karen Coltrane, president and CEO of EdVenture. “Thanks to the grant, Midlands children will have exciting and engaging learning experiences that they would otherwise not experience this summer.”
EdVenture will run the camps in cooperation with the Columbia Housing Authority and city parks. The camps span over five weeks starting today, with four sessions per day and running through to GSK Family Night at EdVenture, Friday, August 11. The more than 500 children attending Richland School District One camps will take part in the program.
EdVenture is widely considered a leader in serving children in underrepresented populations. The museum also serves as a USDA feeding site, serving free lunch to children each weekday during the summer — beginning last year, it was chosen as one of the only feeding sites in a museum.
“At EVenture, one of our major focuses is to provide educational opportunities to every child in the Midlands. We are especially pleased to partner with GSK and the Franklin Institute to reach children who traditionally have very little opportunities to learn during the summer months,” says Nikki Williams, EdVenture executive vice president.
About EdVenture
The mission of EdVenture is to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. EdVenture is dedicated to lifelong learning through its 92,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibit space and in its educational outreach programs and afterschool programs. The museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries, creating shared experiences and memories for families learning together. For more information about EdVenture, visit www.edventure.org or call 803-779-3100. GERVAIS STREET COLUMBIA SC 29201 | 803-400-1166 |
