Last year’s opening of the Connecticut Science Center was met with skepticism, usually regarding whether or not people would bother to come visit. My own cynicism took the form of wondering who the shiny new structure was meant for. The ticket prices — $14 youth and $17 adult general admission — seem ignorant of the percentage of Hartford residents living below the poverty line. Now, some residents will be able to visit the center free of charge.
The City of Hartford has announced that approximately 385 low-income Hartford students (with their parents) will be granted free admission on select days. A press release announces that the City Council, Hartford Public Library, and Connecticut Science Center will be working together to make this possible:
The library staff will be at the Science Center 18 times throughout the school year facilitating workshops in the KidSpace Gallery (20 children with their parents at a time). After the parent-child workshop participation, the family will get admission tickets.
The Hartford Public Library – Science Center dates are:October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3 and 10 (math skills)
January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16 (scientific inquiry skills)
April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 and 11 (observation skills).
Those seeking more information about participating in this program or others should contact the Library’s Youth Services Desk at 860 695 6330.
A $5,000 grant from the City Council is helping to fund this program which is intended to enrich the science and literary education of students.