Field trips to the Maryland Science Center will continue to be free through the year 2030, thanks to an $850,000 commitment from The Constellation Foundation.
“Science Beyond the Classroom, Powered by Constellation” enables every Maryland student and educator free admission to the Maryland Science Center on their field trips. This resulted in 85,000 Maryland students exploring the interactive exhibits, participating in classroom programs, and engaging in hands-on experiences at the Inner Harbor museum at no cost to them during the school year 2023-2024.
The Maryland Science Center has been named one of Parents Magazine’s Top 10 Science Centers in America. The Science Center hosts more than 350,000 visitors a year, making science accessible, understandable, and fun for learners of all ages. An additional 82,000 students and families visit through outreach programs throughout Maryland.
Constellation has been a supporter of the Maryland Science Center for decades. The energy company’s “Sacks for Science” program provides school groups with a fully expense-free field trip (including transportation) to the Science Center for each sack made by the Baltimore Ravens. This program has sent more than 20,000 students from more than 200 local schools to the Science Center so far.
The company sponsored the “Power Up!” exhibit, offering an interactive look at the science of electricity. Constellation executives have also served on and chaired the Science Center board, and the Key Highway entrance to the building is named the Constellation Learning Entrance in honor of the company’s support.
“Bringing my second graders to the Maryland Science Center every year is a highlight for students and chaperones alike,” said Melissa Frederick, a teacher at Kings Christian Academy in St. Mary’s County, in a statement. “The exhibits are a fantastic compliment to what my students are learning in the classroom, and they’re having fun while discovering the process of scientific exploration. This field trip is made possible because of the Science Beyond the Classroom program. With the free admission, many children who would not have had this educational experience are gifted a chance to discover the wonders of science firsthand.”
“We’ve pledged to support the work of the Science Center through the end of the decade because it shares our commitment to uplift and strengthen our communities through science education, including here in our headquarters’ state,” said Jim McHugh, Constellation’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Maryland Science Center Board of Trustees, in a statement. “By expanding access to the center’s hands-on educational tools and experiences, we’re inspiring the next generation of STEM and energy leaders while supporting a cornerstone institution in Maryland.”
“Providing free admission to Maryland students is central to our mission,” said Mark J. Potter, President and CEO of the Maryland Science Center, in a statement. “Without the support of the Constellation Foundation, tens of thousands of children would miss the joy and education of a visit to our exhibits, theaters and classroom presentations. We are grateful for Constellation’s continuing commitment to our work – and to Maryland’s children.”
The Constellation Foundation expands Constellation Energy Corporation’s philanthropic mission, furthering its commitment to investing long term in the community it serves. It is an independent, nonprofit organization.
