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ImageITHACA, NY — Starting in January 2009, the Sciencenter will offer a free regular family membership to all families with children qualifying for free or reduced-cost lunch at school who reside in Tompkins and surrounding counties.  The Sciencenter’s new Membership Access Program was developed to ensure that all children in our community, regardless of financial means, can visit the museum as often as they’d like without cost as a barrier. 

“We want every young person to be empowered to use science in shaping a better future,” said Charlie Trautmann, executive director.  “And, although our visitor satisfaction has reached an all-time high this year, we know that we are not yet reaching all parts of our community. Right now, the need to serve those less fortunate is especially great. Currently, Tompkins County has a poverty rate of 18.1%, which is 1.4 times the overall U.S. poverty rate.”

The Membership Access Program was conceived and developed by Sciencenter staff as a “thank you” to the local community for twenty-five years of support.  The Sciencenter is the world’s first community-built science center and is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2008.

The Sciencenter’s Membership Access Program is made possible by gifts to the Sciencenter Annual Fund, which concludes December 31.  For more information on this program, application instructions, or to make a gift, visit www.sciencenter.org/access.  Applications for membership will be accepted beginning January 1, 2009.

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