WINTER 2026

When kids explore science, they discover their potential. Make a gift today!

Looking for a field trip that connects directly to what your students are learning? This spring, bring your class to the Reading Science Center for an experience that supports your curriculum while giving students space to explore, test ideas, and think like scientists.

WHAT YOUR CLASS WILL EXPERIENCE DURING A 2-HOUR VISIT:

Thanks to continued support from the Neag Foundation, field trips at the Reading Science Center remain accessible for schools at $13 per student. These visits are structured, educator-led, and thoughtfully paced, making them meaningful for students and manageable for teachers.

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, 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!

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View more details on our website.

The Reading Science Center’s fundraising gala on November 18, 2025 was no ordinary event. In fact, it was a whole new experience for our audience who took part in some unexpected but lively activities that helped the Reading Science Center raise $52,951 in revenue!

Unlike the Mad Science Experiment and the Whiskey Experiment event before it, A Night of STEM and Stars helped convey a clear message about the important work of the Reading Science Center.  We are all about making science fun for kids!  

Our illustrious master of ceremonies, Drew Anderson, FOX29 Meteorologist, made the evening entertaining with his energetic personality! His ability to connect with our Sisters in STEM during their interview, encourage our attendees to help reach our $5,000 fundraising goal (plus a matching gift) and announcing the kahoot table competition, made every minute fun and unforgettable!

Also, this was the first time our science students were able to attend our event along with their parents. And what an impact they made telling us what they learn during our after-school program and why they love it! We also heard from a Reading School District teacher, Taylor Eckert, who expressed how her classes rave about field trips at the RSC.

In addition to the fabulous food and our signature “Galaxy in a Glass” cocktail, attendees got to bid on STEM-related auction items and try their hand at giant Jenga and building with Big Blue Blocks!

None of this would have been possible without the financial support of our fabulous sponsors who brought guests and helped support our yearlong programming. Thank you to:

GALAXY SPONSORS

Customers Bank
Fulton Bank

CONSTELLATION SPONSOR

Barley Snyder

SHOOTING STAR SPONSORS

Brentwood Industries
Entech Engineering
Liberty Environmental
Penn State St. Joseph Medical Center
RKL
STMM-LLC
Stevens & Lee
SPL
Tompkins Bank
Udi Meirav & Megan Sterling May

We are excited to invite all current Reading Science Center members to our annual We Love Our Members Party — a special celebration to thank you for being part of our community.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Sunday, February 15

Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Reading Science Center

This members-only event is designed just for you. Here is a preview of what you can enjoy during your visit:

No RSVP is needed. Simply check in with your membership card when you arrive.

NOT CURRENTLY A MEMBER?

You can purchase or renew your membership at the door and join the celebration. Or purchase one as a gift for the science enthusiast in your life! Memberships may also be purchased online at the link below.

MEMBERSHIP PERKS:

NEW LOCATION!

Get ready for a day of discovery, experiments, and family fun at the Reading Science Center’s third annual Celebrate Science Day! Join us at the Reading Regional Airport on Sunday, May 3 for hands-on activities, exciting demonstrations, and opportunities to explore the wonders of science.

This year’s theme, “Take Off!” will focus on aviation and flight, giving visitors of all ages a chance to learn about airplanes, helicopters, and everything that soars through the sky, plus your customary science favorites. Your family won’t want to miss this!

Keep an eye on our events page for details as they become available.

Investigation Stations are our hands-on, rotating exhibits designed to spark curiosity and exploration in students of all ages. Each month features a new theme or challenge, giving visitors a reason to come back again and again. These stations allow guests to experiment, test ideas, and dive into intriguing themes at their own pace and are included free with admission every Saturday.

JANUARY - Computing with 0s and 1s

Did you know computers speak their own language? Try activities that show how binary code works and see how information is stored, transferred, and read by computers.

FEBRUARY - Heart Health

How does your heart keep everything moving? Explore blood flow, pulse, and the incredible job your heart does every day. Kids can experiment with models and simple tools to learn what keeps this vital organ beating strong. Drexel University College of Medicine will join us for Heart Health Month with two Saturday programs in February. On February 21st, visitors can explore pig heart and frog dissections, and on February 28th, guests can learn about CPR through demonstrations using mannequins and AEDs.

MARCH - Spring with Grasshoppers

Jump into spring! Take a closer look at grasshoppers and how they sense, move, and survive in their habitats. Kids can compare insect body parts and learn what makes these amazing jumpers unique.

APRIL - Earth Day Sciences

Celebrate our planet all month long. Explore activities that highlight ecosystems, natural resources, and the small actions that help protect Earth. Perfect for curious learners who love the outdoors.

Sisters in STEM (SIS) remains a powerful space where curiosity is nurtured, confidence is built, and young girls are encouraged to see themselves as future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. This free after-school program remains committed to creating hands-on and inspiring STEM experiences. 

This past fall season, the girls have been–as we like to say–on fire! From October through December, participants have been mentored by brilliant women shaping STEM fields, and were immersed in unforgettable learning experiences. One of the most anticipated highlights was their visit to Drexel University College of Medicine, West Reading Campus, where the students had the rare opportunity to study real human brain specimens, sparking meaningful conversations about neuroscience!

The girls have also explored the legacy of Katherine Johnson and her groundbreaking mathematical contributions in sending astronauts to space. They put their problem-solving skills to the test during the classic Egg Drop Challenge, applying engineering concepts through trial and error and teamwork. Beyond the classroom, SIS participants also visited Berks Nature and Penn State Berks' advanced technology labs, where they observed STEM in real-world settings and saw firsthand how innovation comes to life.

With this incredible momentum, Sisters in STEM is showing no signs of slowing down. This Spring is fully loaded with an impressive lineup of guest speakers and hands-on activities that are sure to inspire, challenge, and empower. The program will run every Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, beginning on February 4, 2026, and ending on April 22, 2026.

Enrollment is open now, and we encourage families to sign up their future scientists today. SIS is leading the way for tomorrow's STEM leaders!

The CANSTRUCTURE competition is a creative design-and-build event focused on fighting hunger in our community. Organized by the Youth Volunteer Corps and hosted by VOiCEup Berks, teams across Berks County build large structures entirely from donated canned goods. After the competition, all cans are donated to Helping Harvest, turning creativity into meaningful community impact.

This Spring, the Sisters in STEM (SIS) girls are proudly participating in the Canstructure competition, partnering with MG Architects to bring their vision to life. The girls have already started planning and designing their structure based on this year’s theme - Animation!  They are learning how architectural ideas go from concept to construction. Guided by Jazmine Arzuaga from MG Architects, participants expand their skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world STEM concepts.

As part of the project, the girls gain awareness about food insecurity in our community and have enthusiastically started collecting canned food donations. While their excitement is high, many cans are still needed, and every food item helps us reach our goal. We invite our community to donate canned goods and follow the progress of our young engineers as their creation comes to life. Stay tuned for build updates and an upcoming chance to see their finished structure! 

We need the following quantities of cans in specific sizes by March 11th:

Cans can be dropped of at Reading Science Center (645 Penn Street, Reading) on any open Monday or Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Together, let's cheer on the Sisters in STEM team as they build with purpose, creativity, and heart to make a lasting impact in our community.

Science experiences at the Reading Science Center don’t just rely on exhibits and programs-they also depend on the everyday materials that keep the organization running. From program supplies and safety items to office and administrative essentials, these resources support everything from school field trips to public events.

Our Amazon Wish List includes both educational materials and behind-the-scenes necessities that help us stay organized, prepared, and responsive to the needs of students, educators, and families. Items purchased from the list are put to immediate use across the Center.

Donations can be shipped or brought to Reading Science Center: 645 Penn Street, Lower level, Reading, PA  19601.

Community support helps us direct more funding toward programs and access. Contributing an item whether for the classroom or the office strengthens the systems that make science learning possible every day at the Reading Science Center. Thank you for helping make these experiences possible.

AMOEBA ALENA

Educator

Hello, I’m Amoeba Alena! I am originally from Reading, Pennsylvania but lived in Rome while completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology and Classics and a minor in Museum Studies from the American University of Rome. My favorite areas of science are Archaeology, Geology, and Anthropology! And a fun fact about me is that I have ridden a camel in the Jordanian Desert! 

RHYTHM RAVEN

Educator
Hi there, I’m Rhythm Raven! I’m from New Ringgold, PA. I have a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA! My favorite areas of science are anything SPACE and chemistry that is used in everyday life–like baking! A fun fact about me is that I can make balloon animals! 

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!

I am truly honored to step into the role of Board President for the Reading Science Center, an extraordinary place where curiosity comes alive, where hands-on STEM learning sparks imagination, and where children from across Pennsylvania discover the joy of exploration. Our enthusiastic staff and resourceful exhibits create an environment where every child can feel like a “young scientist,” ready to question, experiment, and grow.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Jim Cinelli, the Founder of the Reading Science Center. Jim’s vision, passion, and belief in the power of science education laid the foundation for everything this organization has become. His story is one of the many reasons I was drawn to this organization, because it reflects the heart, purpose, and community impact that continue to guide us today.

Looking ahead, I am inspired by our momentum and the opportunities before us. The growing demand for innovative STEM programming fuels our plans to expand our space, welcome larger classes, and create even more enriching experiences for the next generation. We are building a future where every child has room to learn, prosper, and imagine themselves as the scientists, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission. I’m excited for what we will achieve together in this next chapter.

The following new members have joined the Reading Science Center Board of Directors. They bring a diverse range of expertise and community-focused leadership to support the Center’s mission of inspiring and educating future generations through STEM initiatives.

MEGAN ADUKAITIS

Director of Career Services

Reading Area Community College

Reading Science Center Board Member

Megan Adukaitis serves as Director of Career Services at Reading Area Community College, where she leads a growing team focused on connecting students with career pathways, employer partnerships, and workforce readiness resources. With more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, Megan has built and expanded programs that strengthen student access to internships, career development, and professional skills—particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students. A lifelong Berks County resident, she joined the Reading Science Center Board to support early STEM engagement and help expand opportunities that connect learning with future careers, strengthening the region’s talent pipeline and long-term community vitality.

SUSANNA FULTZ

Attorney

Barley Snyder

Reading Science Center Board Secretary

Susanna Fultz is an attorney at Barley Snyder and a member of the firm’s Employment and Litigation practice groups, with more than a decade of experience exclusively focused on employment law. She works closely with employers to navigate complex workplace issues, develop practical solutions, and mitigate risk. She is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen education and opportunity in the Greater Reading area. Susanna joined the Reading Science Center Board to support its role in fostering curiosity and building strong foundations in science, technology, engineering, and math for young learners throughout the community.

MEGAN CAMPBELL STERLING MAY

Managing Director

Camperdown Properties

Reading Science Center Board Member

Megan Campbell Sterling May serves as Managing Director at Camperdown Properties, bringing experience in strategic planning, partnership development, and long-term organizational growth. An advocate for science education, Megan is focused on strengthening the Reading Science Center’s community relevance and visibility. Through collaboration with researchers, universities, corporate partners, and philanthropic leaders, she aims to support initiatives that expand the Center’s reach and deepen its impact on STEM education.

UDI MEIRAV

President & Founder

Calibre Biometrics

Reading Science Center Board Member

Udi Meirav is the President and Founder of Calibre Biometrics and holds a PhD in Physics from MIT. A seasoned startup entrepreneur, Udi recently relocated to Berks County and is eager to contribute to his new community. He joined the Reading Science Center Board as a strong believer in science education, bringing technical expertise and entrepreneurial perspective to support the Center’s growth and long-term vision.

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