Louisville, KY  –  U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (KY-3) presented a check for $194,600 to the Louisville Science Center today. Yarmuth secured the funding during the FY08 appropriations process for the Science Center’s programs for at-risk youth and the new Science Education Wing, opening in 2009.

"The Science Center is a wonderful resource for the youth of Louisville, not only a great place to have fun but an indispensable tool for their future endeavors in our increasingly technological society.  Innovation is key to success in the 21st century and the new Science Education Wing will give Louisville's young generations a tremendous advantage in discovering the creativity and knowledge they need to excel."

    The Science Education Wing will be in the adjacent Alexander Building, at 745 W. Main, which the city purchased for the Science Center’s eventual expansion. The $1 million Science Education Wing, encompassing 5,300 square feet, will include four new science-workshop labs equipped for hands-on programs for students, teachers and families. The appropriation also provides funding for after-school programs for at-risk youth.

    “Science education is critical to workforce development and economic growth in the 21st century, and the Science Center is committed to increasing science literacy statewide through exhibits and programs that help Kentucky compete in the global economy,” said Science Center board chair Joan Coleman, president of AT&T Kentucky. “By having additional room to grow, we are well on our way to completing our vision of becoming a 21st century leader in informal science education.”

    Construction on the Science Education Wing is scheduled to begin in summer 2008, with completion in early 2009. Programs for students and teachers will correspond to the core curriculum areas of physical, natural and life sciences that are treated in the Science Center’s permanent exhibits. The Science Center will eventually expand into the entire five-story building, which totals 37,000 square feet and has an appraised value of $3 million. The building owner, Phoenix Hotel Development Company, agreed earlier this year to sell the building to the city for $2 million, paid in interest-free payments of $250,000 over eight years.