Reading, PA – The Reading Science Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $175,500 Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credit through Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration. Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, NAP fosters partnerships between nonprofit organizations and businesses to revitalize distressed communities and support low-income populations.
The NAP allows businesses to receive substantial tax credits for contributing to approved community improvement projects. These partnerships enable nonprofits like the Reading Science Center to secure critical funding for transformative initiatives while offering businesses a meaningful way to invest in their communities.
This tax credit will be directed through Shuman Development Group, a longtime champion of the Reading Science Center’s mission. As the owner of the building at 645 Penn Street, Shuman has played an essential role in helping the Center expand access to STEM learning opportunities in Downtown Reading. This collaboration will support an expansion within its current location, enhancing its ability to serve children and families throughout Berks County.
“The Reading Science Center is a valuable addition to our downtown revitalization efforts and we are proud to support their expansion efforts,” said Alan Shuman.
Executive Director of Reading Science Center, Ralia Vardaxis, explains, “By expanding through the lower level of the building, the Center has plans to double its exhibit space, create an additional classroom, and introduce exciting new exhibits. One of those new exhibits was conceptualized, designed, and fabricated by East Penn Manufacturing, a local company that was excited to partner with us to invest in the community. The new interactive display “Energy in a Box” helps children learn more about the benefits of batteries and proper recycling. The new space will also include an area for children to eat lunch, making the Center an even more convenient destination for full-day field trips.” This expansion represents an important next step in meeting growing demand while the Center continues to plan for the future.
“This expansion is truly a game-changer for us at the Reading Science Center,” said “Solar System” Sarah Troy, Director of Educational Programming. “We’ve had to turn away schools unable to bring entire grade levels due to space constraints, and many have asked for a dedicated lunch area—needs we will now be able to meet. I’m thrilled to envision larger groups of students spending a full day surrounded by science—exploring, experimenting, and making discoveries together.”
With these improvements, the Reading Science Center will increase its capacity to host field trips, accommodating up to 100 children at a time or 200 students in a single day, giving schools the opportunity to bring together an entire grade level for immersive STEM experiences.
“The Science Center has always been a HUGE hit with our students,” said Kelly Wendler, second grade teacher at 10th & Green Elementary in the Reading School District. “The classroom lessons not only align with our curriculum, but the kids have ‘light bulb’ moments and leave there believing in the magic of science. This expansion is so exciting because it will allow the grade level to go all at once and give us more time to explore the incredible exhibits on the floor. Huge kudos to everyone at the Science Center who makes it a fun, engaging, and relevant experience for the students and families of Berks County!”
The Reading Science Center’s ability to reach this milestone is a testament to the support of grassroots funders, individual donors, Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC), and the American Rescue Plan, whose contributions laid the foundation for this growth. Their support has helped the Reading Science Center fulfill its mission of making STEM education accessible and inspiring for children across the region.
“I’m so excited that my third grade students will now have the opportunity to experience a full day field trip with all their grade level peers at the Reading Science Center,” said Vicky Radwanski, third grade teacher in the Governor Mifflin School District. “This expansion will not only allow more time for engaging hands-on science activities and more in-depth exploration, but will provide students with the time to process, ask more questions, and solidify their scientific understanding. I can’t wait to take my class back to the Reading Science Center next school year!”
As the Reading Science Center embarks on this exciting expansion, it looks forward to continuing its role as a hub for STEM education in Berks County. The Center invites the community to join in this mission, welcoming collaborators with creative and technical skills to help shape the expanded space. Whether through design, development, or other innovative contributions, there are many ways to help create a dynamic environment for STEM learning. We welcome your ideas and expertise: please contact us at info@rdgsci.org to learn how you can contribute to our expansion.
For more information about the Reading Science Center and to plan your visit, please visit www.readingsciencecenter.org.
