Powerhouse Science Center Receives $7 Million Grant From Proposition 84

Nature Education Facilities Committee Cites Benefits of Educating Sacramento’s Next Generation of Children in Both Earth Sciences and Environmental Stewardship

 

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The Powerhouse Science Center took a major step forward in funding with the announcement today that the project has been awarded a $7 million grant provided by Proposition 84.

Proposition 84’s Nature Education Facilities committee awarded the grant to build the Earth & Space Sciences Center, which will feature a full-dome, 150-seat planetarium, an updated Challenger Learning Center, and interactive exhibits focusing on natural sciences.

Planned as a destination for school groups, families, and tourists, the Earth & Space Sciences Center will address the goals of California’s Education and the Environment Initiative to increase environmental literacy for kindergarten through 12th grade students by teaching science, history, and social science within an environmental context.

The Earth & Space Sciences Center is one of three learning centers that comprise the entire PowerhouseScienceCentercampus, an estimated $50 million project that has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The Center is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

The new facility will create more than 300 jobs and help vitalize Sacramento’s riverfront area and open the space for more public usage.

“As a long time supporter of an expanded Powerhouse Science Center, I am thrilled to hear we have received $7 million in Prop 84 funds,” Sacramento Assembly member Roger Dickinson said. “The goal of the Powerhouse Science Center is to cultivate an interest in science and math. The new Science Center will be a destination for families from all parts of California.”

“This is exactly what we need in the City of Sacramento,” said Angelique Ashby, Sacramento City Council member, District 1. “The Powerhouse Science Center will bring jobs, education and a family experience for everyone who lives in or visits our region. What an amazing opportunity!”

Proposition 84 Nature Education Facilities grants make funding available to foster nature education and research facilities, and equipment to non-profit organizations and public institutions. Grants are used for buildings, structures, and exhibit galleries to inspire and educate the public.

Over 500 support letters were collected and submitted on behalf of the Powerhouse Science Center. Letters came from Congressional representatives Doris Matsui and Dan Lungren; three State assemblymen and two State senators; four Sacramento County Board of Supervisors; Mayor Kevin Johnson and the entire Sacramento City Council; eight members of the Sacramento County Office of Education, including Superintend David Gordon; and numerous company presidents, CEOs, educators and community leaders from throughout the Greater Sacramento region.

“I am very excited that the State of California has awarded this grant to the Powerhouse Science Center and was pleased to support their efforts,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “The Center will add to our beautiful riverfront, serve as a catalyst for redevelopment in the River District, and most importantly will give our region’s children a premier state-of-the–art science center to explore.”

Congresswoman Matsui has been a constant champion for STEM education in Sacramento and our nation’s capitol. The Congresswoman advocated for the Powerhouse Science Center to the State of California for this grant.

“We feel extremely honored to be chosen for the Nature Education Facilities grant. This is a giant step forward to help fund the Center,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “I want to personally thank all the people who helped make this possible. Support letters came from our state and local civic leaders, business owners, museum partners, parents, teachers, museum members and patrons, and even children. This was a real collaborative effort by many people.”

Features inside the Earth & Space Sciences Center include a150-seat full-dome Planetarium Theater that will take visitors beyond astronomy to study nature education, and an expanded Challenger Learning Center providing simulated NASA space missions. Exterior experiences will include water conservation, green energy, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

“At our Earth & Space Sciences Center, we’ll both educate the natural sciences and inspire environmental stewardship,” explained Raymond Burnell, Powerhouse Education Director. “Through such signature experiences, visitors of all ages will enjoy focused learning about Earth’s four natural spheres through the eyes of ever-expanding environmental literacy.”

Representatives from the Nature Education Facilities committee made two site visits to the planned location of the Powerhouse Science Center, which is situated in the River District off Jibboom Street in Sacramento. The historic PG&E Power Station B was the first-choice location for the Center because the historic building’s position on the riverfront is highly visible, creating greater awareness for the imaginative science facility.

In addition to the Earth & Space Sciences Center, the Powerhouse campus will also include innovative, hands-on exhibit halls, science laboratories and classrooms; Robotics programs; an artificial wetlands; outdoor stage and screen; restaurant with riverfront views; and more.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue that is accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

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