SUMMER 2025

Power the programs that inspire—support local science learning!

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 provide 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,” said Alan Shuman.

Executive Director of Reading Science Center, Ralia Vardaxis, explains, “By acquiring more space through the lower level of the building, the Center has plans to double its museum footprint, create an additional classroom, and introduce exciting new exhibits. One of those exhibit additions is 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. Our new space will also include an area for children to eat lunch, making the Center an even more convenient destination for 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 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 funds from the City of Reading, 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 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.

This summer, young scientists will embark on an unforgettable STEM adventure at Reading Science Camp! Designed for children ages 8-11, this camp offers a week filled with hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and exciting discoveries - all led by experienced educators in a fun and engaging environment.

CAMP DETAILS

WHAT TO EXPECT

Looking for a summer experience that’s equal parts discovery, creativity, and science-powered fun? Reading Science Camp is your child’s launchpad into an exciting world of experiments, exploration, and hands-on STEM learning. Tailored for curious minds ages 8–11, this week-long day camp blends real science with interactive play — all in a welcoming environment led by experienced educators who know how to spark wonder and joy. Each day at Reading Science Camp offers a mix of structured learning and open-ended discovery designed to keep campers moving, thinking, and having fun.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 7!

We’ve extended the deadline, giving you a last chance to claim a spot in this unforgettable summer STEM adventure. Be sure to complete registration and payment by July 7 to secure your child’s place. 

Summer sizzles at Reading Science Center!

In this month's newsletter you'll read about the support we received for our expansion at 645 Penn Street allowing us to double our space and expand our impact through programming for children in Berks County.  An NAP tax credit through the state of Pennsylvania is making this possible. We will also be seeking additional financial and grant assistance to help us with renovations, additional exhibits, and dedicated educators to realize the potential of our newly acquired space.  If you would like to help, please reach out to us at info@rdgsci.org. 

Additionally, great new ideas are finding enthusiasm and support. The Science Storytime program that began in January 2025 has now received assistance from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. This will allow us to take our readings and science experiments on the road starting this fall. Please look for more information in our next newsletter edition.

2025 also marks the first year Reading Science Center is offering a summer Science Camp. It's not too late to sign up, as the deadline has been extended to July 7th. Below you'll read detailed information about the robust programming in store for our future innovators. Sign up today!

Everyday is explosive at the Reading Science Center, especially if you book a summer field trip where the Curious in the Classroom lesson is based on things that explode! Read on for more information.

Would you like to be part of the exciting programming and dedicated team at the RSC? Please review our job post for a director of educational programming later in this publication. If you are interested, we would love to tell you more about it.

And please remember that your gift fuels the possibilities of STEM discovery as children learn while they play at the Reading Science Center. Your gift today can help us launch the future potential of the next generation of science enthusiasts. Thank you for all the ways you support the Reading Science Center.

A membership to the Reading Science Center is your ticket to endless science fun, discovery, and special benefits. Whether for yourself or your family, membership means unlimited visits, exclusive discounts, and invitations to members-only events that bring science to life.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AND PRICING

Individual Membership - $40 Per Year
Unlimited admission for 1 person for one year

Family Membership - $100 Per Year
Unlimited admission for 5 individuals for one year

MEMBERSHIP PERKS

SUMMER FRIDAYS = SCIENCE FRIDAYS!

The Reading Science Center is now open every Friday this summer—more time to experiment, discover, and explore! 

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

The Reading Science Center’s Institutional Pass has long been a trusted resource for libraries and community organizations looking to provide students and families with hands-on, science-rich learning experiences. For just $250, your organization receives an unlimited family admission for one year, making it an accessible and high-impact investment.

CONSIDERING A PASS? NOW’S A GREAT TIME

We anticipate a price increase for new Institutional Passes beginning in 2026, so organizations that join this year should take full advantage of our current rate.

We also welcome local companies to explore how a pass might support your community engagement efforts or serve as a unique benefit for employees and their families.

As we step into summer and look ahead to the new school year, the Reading Science Center invites educators, camp leaders, and youth organization coordinators to explore our engaging group visit options. Whether you’re planning a last-minute summer outing or organizing fall school field trips, RSC offers dynamic, hands-on STEM experiences tailored for young learners.

SUMMER GROUP VISITS: IGNITE CURIOSITY

There’s still time to schedule an unforgettable summer STEM experience at the Reading Science Center! Our programming is perfect for summer camps, scout groups, and other community youth organizations. Designed for groups of 15 or more, this 2-hour experience includes:

Visits can be scheduled in the mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday, based on availability. 

PLAN AHEAD: FALL FIELD TRIPS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Looking to enrich your curriculum with experiential STEM learning? Our field trip program offers a 2-hour educational journey combining exhibit exploration with a hands-on science curriculum-aligned classroom investigation. Thanks to generous grants, we offer subsidies for field trips. Inquire about this discount when booking your trip.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’d love to help you plan your visit! If you’re considering bringing a group of curious kids to explore science with us–either this summer or during the school year–our team is happy to assist with scheduling and details. Email us at info@rdgsci.org or give us a call at (484) 878-2112. We are excited to bring science to life for your group!

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Reading Science Center a $2,500 grant to support their Science Storytime program. The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.

The Reading Science Center originally launched its monthly Science Storytime program in January 2025 with the goal of introducing STEM concepts to children through reading. By pairing age-appropriate science-themed books with simple, hands-on experiments, the program encourages young learners to make early and meaningful connections with science to foster curiosity.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for supporting Storytime at the Reading Science Center. This grant allows us to spark curiosity through stories and engaging science exploration—showing children that science isn’t just something you learn in school, it’s something you live every day. By connecting STEM concepts to early literacy, we’re helping young learners build the foundation they need to think critically, ask questions, and imagine new possibilities,” said Reading Science Center Director of Educational Programming, Sarah Troy.

With the support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the program will now expand beyond its downtown Reading location. Over the next year, monthly Storytime sessions will continue at the Center, while a new traveling version of the program will bring Science Storytime to local libraries starting this fall. Each session will feature a story, a coordinating science activity, and a free paperback book for each participating family (while supplies last) to take home and enjoy together.

“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam.

The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.

The Reading Science Center hosts Science Storytime on the third Monday of every month at 10:30 AM. This fun and educational program is included with admission ($10 per person, ages 2 and under enjoy free admission) and features an exciting investigation in the classroom following the story. 

UPCOMING STORIES:

July
Pre-K Story at 10:30: Mix it Up
Elementary story at 11:30: The Wonder of Color
Explore color in the classroom after each reading!

August
Pre-K Story at 10:30: Bugs
Elementary story at 11:30: Bugs and Us
Explore insects in the classroom after each reading!

Thanks to a collaborative capstone project with engineering students at Penn State Berks, the Reading Science Center has two exciting new exhibits ready to join the museum floor: Angular Momentum and Harmonograph Motion!

Designed and built by student teams as part of their senior engineering coursework, these interactive exhibits demonstrate key physics concepts tailored to young learners. 

These exhibits are currently awaiting placement within the Science Center as part of our upcoming expansion. Once installed, Angular Momentum and Harmonograph Motion will offer visitors new opportunities to explore scientific principles in motion. We are grateful to these dedicated PSU Berks students whose creativity and hard work brought these exhibits to life:

Do you know a 4th, 5th, or 6th grade girl who’s curious about how things work, loves asking questions, and wants to explore the world through science? Sisters in STEM is a weekly after-school program designed to nurture that curiosity and spark confidence through real-world science, mentorship, and unforgettable hands-on experiences, at no cost to participants. 

Each session brings science to life with creative projects, inspiring guest speakers, and opportunities to explore everything from health science and animal biology to chemistry and engineering. Through every challenge, experiment, and discovery, our girls grow into bold thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and confident collaborators.

Last year’s group toured medical simulation labs, tested the chemistry of skin and hair, and got up close with reptiles and amphibians. Each season brings something new and we can’t wait to see what discoveries next year brings!

MORE DETAILS

On Prime Day 2025 (July 8-11), help us stock up on much-needed supplies by shopping on our Amazon Wish List! Every item goes directly toward creating exciting, educational experiences for young learners at the Reading Science Center.

Ship items directly to: 

Reading Science Center
Attn: Meg Bereit
645 Penn Street - Lower Level
Reading, PA  19601

We’re seeking an experienced educator to lead and grow our science education programs. This role is responsible for overseeing the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all instructional programming, both on-site and in the community. The ideal candidate brings a passion for STEM education and a commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for all students. Click the button below to view the job description and apply for the position.

ZOË CLAIR
Educator
We're thrilled to welcome Zodiac Zoë as a new Educator at the Reading Science Center. Originally from Westminster, Maryland, Zoë has a background in both the arts and science. She got her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in Game Design & Animation and is currently also pursuing a nail art certificate at the Lancaster School of Cosmetology. Zoë is a passionate cosplayer and prop maker, and her creativity shines through everything she does. Zoë is also a biology nerd, with a deep love for anatomy, physiology and animals. In her free time, she is a proud dog and cat mom. We are very excited to have her bring her energy and creativity to the team.

JOANNA NEWTON
Educator
Joining our team as an Educator is Jungle Joanna, originally from Houston, Texas. Joanna holds a Bachelors in Science in Environmental and Geospatial Science, with a minor in Government, Policy, and Law, combining her passion for the environment with advocacy and public policy. Joanna’s favorite subjects are environmental science, ecology, and conservation. She has real world experience working on six different Federal Lands through the National Parks Service! We are delighted to have Joanna join our team here at the Reading Science Center as an educator and docent!

ALEX WORALL
Educator
We are pleased to introduce Amoeba Alex, another new Educator joining our team. Alex is from Douglasville, PA, and went to the University of Pennsylvania. From there he earned a degree in History & Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. His favorite science subjects are biology, physiology, and the history of medicine. Outside of the lab, Alex also has a musical side, as he has been playing saxophone for 16 years! We are very happy to welcome Alex along to the team.

CARLEY YOUNGMAN
Docent
Also joining our team, as a museum docent is Constellation Carley. Carley is from Selinsgrove, PA. She is a rising senior at Kutztown University where she is studying Early Education and Art Education. Carley is a very creative and imaginative person with a passion for blending art and science in an engaging way. Her favorite science topics are zoology and color theory, which shows her wide range of interest. In her personal life, Carley spends time with her pets, her dog Creed, and her cat Cricket. We are excited to have Carley on board at the Science Center.

DEBORAH UCHENDU
Emerging Entrepreneurs Intern
Deborah joins the Reading Science Center as an intern through Emerging Entrepreneurs, a program that connects students with local organizations to support community-based learning and development. She is studying Biology and Chemistry on a Pre-Med track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Known around the Center as “DNA Deborah,” she’s passionate about neuroscience, paleobiology, and chemistry. In her free time, she enjoys painting, ceramics, and traveling and hopes to one day visit all 54 African countries!

Behind every spark of curiosity at the Reading Science Center is a community member who made it possible. Volunteers play a vital role in helping us create a welcoming, exciting environment where children from across Berks County can discover science in a fun and memorable way. 

Whether you’re greeting families at the front desk, assisting with experiments on the exhibit floor or helping during a special event, your time supports meaningful learning and inspires children to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators. 

Volunteering is flexible and rewarding and is perfect for retirees, college students, STEM professionals, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of young learners. No science background is required, just a willingness to share your time and enthusiasm!

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