Foundation Funds Help Teens Enjoy CT Science Center

Liberty Bank Foundation

HARTFORD, CT — Thanks to a foundation grant, teens in the area have improved access to a variety of programs geared just for them at the Connecticut Science Center.

David W. Glidden, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Bank and president of the Liberty Bank Foundation, announced last week the foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd., Hartford.

The funding, he said, is to help provide access for 200 local high school students to education-related programs through its teen programs.

The Connecticut Science Center’s teen programs range from one-time events to immersive opportunities to explore a broad range of STEM fields and careers.

The programs run throughout the year with increased activities during the summer season.

The $25,000 grant will be invested in various education-related programs, including hands-on STEM education, workforce development, peer mentoring and 21st Century skill building.

It will also enable teen participants during the summer receive stipends and bus passes so they can meet employment and financial obligations.

“The Connecticut Science Center’s ongoing commitment to youths of all ages through initiatives like teen programs gives them access not only to first-class educational programming but it also teaches them leadership skills as they become mentors themselves,” said Glidden, also the vice chairman of the Connecticut Science Center’s Board of Trustees.

“The $25,000 grant award comes at the right time as we approach the summer and more students will need access outside of the classroom to the Connecticut Science Center’s educational and career-building programs.”

Science center officials said support like that of the foundation is critical to its mission.

“Since we opened the doors to the Connecticut Science Center in 2009, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences,” said Matt Fleury, president and chief executive officer of the Connecticut Science Center.

“Thanks to generous corporate sponsors like the Liberty Bank Foundation, we will continue to drive innovation through our robust education-related programs that are structured in a way that builds on what students are learning in the classroom to ultimately deliver the next generation of STEM talent in the region.”

Since 2022, the Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded $60,000 to the Connecticut Science Center for various programming opportunities for local youth.

For more information about the Connecticut Science Center’s teen programs, click on this link.

For more information about the Connecticut Science Center, click on this link.