ScienceSouth Launches New Phase of Development

Monday, April 02, 2007

Florence, SC -- Six years ago ScienceSouth was the vision of a small group of business leaders and educators. Today, with a growing base of support, the organization takes another step toward the realization of a permanent center for science, math and technology education.

This afternoon Congressman James Clyburn unveiled the model for ScienceSouth’s prototype facility, a precursor to a permanent center. In 2002 Clyburn was among the first to support the idea of a science center in the Pee Dee. Clyburn also found the funds, which made it possible for ScienceSouth to begin delivering programs to schools. Now Clyburn has again found support for ScienceSouth in the sum of one million dollars. This funding will enable ScienceSouth to launch a 5,000 square foot prototype facility and plan for a permanent facility.

"I am pleased to see this new phase of ScienceSouth getting underway," Congressman Clyburn said. "This new facility will be a wonderful educational attraction for families along the I-95 corridor, and I will continue to support the efforts of ScienceSouth to get young people excited about science, math and technology."

ScienceSouth Chairman Hood Temple praised Clyburn, Senator Hugh Leatherman, and Mayor Frank Willis of Florence as “champions” of ScienceSouth. Temple said the backing from all three levels of government reflects the widespread support of ScienceSouth throughout the community.

"We are increasing the ability of our children to take part in the knowledge economy. Investing in the development of our children is essential," Temple said. "they are our next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians".

To date, ScienceSouth has seen 70,000 program participants, a number sure to grow with its expansion of programs in the facility for families and their visitors. The introduction of a facility will allow ScienceSouth to be the place where children and their parents go to learn and enjoy science together. The prototype facility will have education program spaces specifically designed to encourage intergenerational learning. Interactive laboratory spaces are planned which will engage young people in activities that build connections between family, school, play and the workforce community.

ScienceSouth expects construction to be complete in the early months of 2008. Project Director Colleen Zilio indicated that the Prototype Project will serve as a base of operation for its growing Science on Wheels outreach program and enable ScienceSouth to develop and offer programs for the family audience.

About ScienceSouth:
ScienceSouth is a 501 (c) 3 educational enterprise dedicated to improving science and technology education. ScienceSouth develops and delivers hands-on science and mathematics experiences for students, teachers, and families in communities across the Pee Dee region.

Our mission is to inspire life long learning and achievement in science and technology by involving both teachers and students with standardized, high quality science and technology learning experiences.

CONTACT:
Colleen Zilio
ScienceSouth
(843) 629-4040
FAX (843) 629-4341
zilio@sciencesouth.org
www.sciencesouth.org