Search
Press Release
Queens and Brooklyn Students Enjoy Free Field Trips to New York Hall of Science Thanks to Grants from MetLife Foundation and Target
10-05-10
Queens, N.Y. – More than 12,000 Queens and Brooklyn public school students will go on free field trips to the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), thanks to a new partnership between NYSCI, MetLife Foundation and Target. The free trips are part of Targeting Science and Inquiry Toolkit Program that also includes free professional development workshops for teachers and a special Science Inquiry Kit for each student and his or her parents. The Science Inquiry Kit includes a stopwatch, LED light, diffraction grating lens, tape measure and color filters, along with an activity guide that provides hands-on experiments that students can try at home.
“Targeting Science is one step toward reversing the national trend of low science and math achievement,” said Margaret Honey, President and CEO of NYSCI. “We are pleased to partner with MetLife Foundation and Target to bring the excitement of science to our city’s children.”
Both MetLife Foundation and Target have strong traditions of supporting education in local communities.
“MetLife Foundation has a longstanding tradition of supporting science museums and initiatives that promote lifelong learning,” said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with the New York Hall of Science on its innovative work and commitment to encourage science literacy and prepare our nation’s youth to pursue careers in science and technology.”
“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president of community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with the New York Hall of Science as part of our ongoing commitment to helping kids learn and schools teach, paving a path toward graduation.”
Targeting Science is part of NYSCI’s larger effort to inspire youth to become interested in science and to provide New York City teachers with the tools they need to offer high quality, hands-on science education to students. Nearly 400 third and sixth grade classes will be selected to participate in this program. Schools that are interested in participating should contact Tamika Whitlock at 718-699-0005 ext. 320. Schools must be Title I New York City Public Schools located in Queens or Brooklyn.
MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to continue the company’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation supports programs that improve education, promote health, encourage parental involvement and family engagement, help revitalize neighborhoods and stress accessibility and inclusion. For more information about the Foundation, please visit its web site at www.metlife.org.
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,740 stores nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information, visit www.target.com.
The mission of the New York Hall of Science is to bring the excitement and understanding of science and technology to children, families, teachers and others by galvanizing their curiosity and offering them creative, participatory ways to learn. For more information, visit www.nysci.org.
###