Science ATL Expands with Year-Round STEM Events, Programming in Atlanta

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Non-profit Science ATL becomes parent organization of Atlanta Science Festival

Science lovers of all ages can experience the kinetic excitement of STEM-centric events and programs year-round thanks to Science ATL, which is now the official parent organization of the popular annual happening, the Atlanta Science Festival.

In addition to the Atlanta Science Festival, taking place March 6-21, 2020, a variety of Science ATL events will come to life across metro Atlanta throughout the next 12 months. This will include Science of Wine short courses; the Sci-cycle bicycle scavenger hunt during Atlanta Streets Alive; and next year’s Race Through Space 5K.

“This type of perpetual programming is perfect for metro Atlanta,” says David Hartnett, Science ATL’s chairman of the board and chief economic development officer at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “It certainly builds on the region’s booming STEM-related educational opportunities, economic development, and careers. We’re setting the stage for Atlanta’s leaders of tomorrow.”

Upcoming Science ATL events and sponsors

With major funding from Emory University, Delta Air Lines, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and a host of other supporters, Science ATL continues the organization’s mission to bring people together and strengthen community through the wonder of science. The year-round commitment will build upon the success of Science ATL’s initial programming:

  • The Science Scene Calendar: Want to keep tabs on scientific fun taking place throughout the region? Visit this online calendar of local science-themed events, connecting science enthusiasts, both young and old.
  • Georgia Chief Science Officers: This program develops a group of middle and high school students as STEM leaders in their schools, empowering them to have a voice and make a positive change in their communities.
  • Science ATL Communication Fellowship: This exclusive fellowship trains scientists on how to better communicate with a range of public audiences, and gives them the opportunity to develop and execute at least two public engagement activities.

Science ATL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together through the wonder of science. The mission began in 2014 with the Atlanta Science Festival, co-founded by Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. This annual two-week event, presented by Delta Air Lines, has brought science programming to more than 200,000 people in metro Atlanta. Additional Science ATL initiatives and events increase public interest in and appreciation of science in Atlanta with easy access points to science, technology, engineering and math throughout the year.

New Grants Further Atlanta Science Festival Mission

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The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and NCR Foundation funding help bring science to communities

Atlanta Science Festival, the annual two-week celebration of science and technology, recently received a pair of grants to help further its mission to spread the wonder of science throughout metro Atlanta. This includes a two-year $180,000 grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and a one-year $100,000 grant from the NCR Foundation.

“With the support of corporate and foundation leaders we can improve access to science learning opportunities for so many young people,” says Jordan Rose, co-director of Atlanta Science Festival. “And we’re incredibly grateful to both The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the NCR Foundation for investing in the community to promote STEM throughout Atlanta.”

The Arthur M. Family Blank Foundation grant will be used to cultivate 50 middle and high school student STEM leaders in metro Atlanta through the Georgia Chief Science Officers program. This program enhances the students’ leadership, communication, and advocacy skills to meet the growing demand for these skills in STEM careers. The students, elected by their peers, will further STEM awareness and programming in their school communities. Students will also participate as leaders in community events outside their schools, sharing ideas with legislators, board members, CEOs, and other decision-makers in the community.

In addition, the NCR Foundation grant will be used to expand science learning opportunities for residents primarily in the south central and southwest neighborhoods of Atlanta. The project will fund Atlanta Science Festival initiatives in these neighborhoods, including 50 bus vouchers to attend the Festival’s Expo, 20 Imagining the Future school visits, 12 Chief Science Officers, targeted marketing efforts, and formation of a Community Advisory Board to assess community STEM needs. The goal is to connect 4,000 children from selected neighborhoods to out-of-school science learning experiences, and to strengthen the capacity of community organizations to engage families in informal science learning experiences.

“Bolstering STEM activities and awareness in these communities is essential to developing Atlanta’s scientific future,” Rose adds. “As we continue investing in tomorrow’s STEM leaders, we’re thrilled to see what these young minds have in store.”

Interviews are available upon request.

About Atlanta Science Festival Inc.

Atlanta Science Festival Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together through the wonder of science. Founded in 2014 by Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Metro Atlanta Chamber, the organization produces the annual two-week Atlanta Science Festival, presented by Delta Air Lines, which has brought science programming to more than 200,000 people in the metro Atlanta region. The Festival celebrates local science and technology, featuring more than 100 events throughout metro Atlanta from March 9-23, 2019, reaching 50,000 children and adults annually. Festival events feature hands-on activities, tours, tastings, and performances with 100 partner organizations, plus the Exploration Expo, Atlanta’s biggest interactive family science event. Atlanta Science Festival Inc. is now extending this excitement year-round through a series of programming and partnership-building initiatives called Science ATL. The new Science ATL initiatives will increase public interest in and appreciation of science in Atlanta by creating and promoting easy access points to science, technology, engineering, and math throughout the year. In 2018, Science ATL launched an online public science events calendar, the Chief Science Officers leadership program for middle and high school students, a science activity passport, and a science communication fellowship. In the future, Science ATL will produce additional public science events and learning opportunities throughout the year.

About The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation promotes innovative solutions to transform the lives of youth and their families, seeking results that move communities beyond what seems possible today. The Foundation invests in education, parks and greenspace, youth development, community redevelopment, and the arts, and leads giving programs for each of the Blank Family of Businesses, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, and West Creek Ranch. Mr. Blank, chairman of the Foundation, co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through the foundation and his family’s personal giving, Mr. Blank has granted more than $360 million to various charitable organizations.

For more information about The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, visit www.BlankFoundation.org or follow on Facebook @BlankFamilyFoundation or Instagram and Twitter @BlankFoundation.

About The NCR Foundation

The NCR Foundation was established in 1953 to help support community needs consistent with its mission. As NCR Corporation has evolved into a leading enterprise technology company, the NCR Foundation has evolved its grant strategy consistent with its focus on providing opportunities where there is potential.  Our mission is to support NCR’s interest in building stronger communities by making strategic grants to non-profit partners in our communities including global grants through U.S.-based international non-profit agencies in the focus areas of education, disability issues and health support programs.

Science ATL Delivers Year-Round Special Events, Educational Opportunities to Metro Atlanta

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This Extension of Atlanta Science Festival Now Accepting Corporate Sponsorships

The creators of Atlanta Science Festival ­–the immensely popular, annual celebration of science and technology– proudly announce the formation of Science ATL. Science ATL offers all of the wonder, discovery, and excitement of the Atlanta Science Festival year-round. This includes hosting science-themed events and educational opportunities for all ages. Science ATL is now accepting corporate sponsorships to help fully realize its mission.

“Science is a through-line of our daily existence,” said Meisa Salaita, co-founder of Science ATL and co-director of Atlanta Science Festival. “Atlanta is truly a science city – home to tremendous learning opportunities and a variety of STEM careers. Honoring this culture of innovation, we are expanding the spirit of Atlanta Science Festival throughout the entire year.”

Science ATL launches with programming taking place this fall and more to come.

  • The Science Scene Calendar: Want to keep tabs on scientific fun taking place throughout the city? Visit this online calendar of metro Atlanta happenings, connecting science enthusiasts, both young and old. Available now.
  • Georgia Chief Science Officers – This program develops a group of middle and high school students as STEM leaders in their schools and communities, giving them the opportunity to meet with legislators, school board members, STEM industry mentors, and businesses. Available now.
  • Science ATL Communication Training: This fellowship trains scientists on how to better communicate with a range of public audiences, and gives them the opportunity to develop and execute at least two public engagement activities. Available now.
  • Science ATL Passport – Students use these passports to document science in their everyday lives, creating a living record of how they engage with STEM outside the classroom. Coming soon.
  • Science ATL Events: Beginning summer 2019, Science ATL will curate its own quarterly events similar to those found at Atlanta Science Festival. Think scientific superstars, live demonstrations, hands-on engagement, and more. Coming summer 2019.

“Atlanta Science Festival is working with fantastic partners to enrich the STEM community in Atlanta,” said Salaita. “For Science ATL to succeed in branding Atlanta as a science city, we need to rally even more likeminded supporters of science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Corporations can join forces alongside current sponsors such as Delta Air Lines, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and more.

Current Sponsor Testimonials

“Science ATL and the Atlanta Science Festival emphasize the fact Atlanta remains a hub for scientific advancement and innovation. There couldn’t be a better backdrop to showcase science-infused businesses and inspire the scientists of tomorrow.”

-Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Metro Atlanta Chamber

“For years the Atlanta Science Festival has provided creative, hands-on activities to introduce young people to science applications in our daily lives. With the launch of Science ATL, they can have those experiences year-round throughout our community, helping to inspire the next generation to explore STEM fields.”

–Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson

“As an academic community committed to creativity and discovery, we at Emory are extremely proud of our involvement with Atlanta Science Festival. The launch of Science ATL allows us to celebrate the importance of scientific inquiry year-round—it’s a great day for the entire metro Atlanta area and well beyond.”

-Claire E. Sterk, president of Emory University

“Georgia Power remains committed to engaging more students in science, technology, engineering, and math to generate tomorrow’s STEM workforce. Our partnership with Science ATL and the Atlanta Science Festival helps further that mission in a major way right here in our own backyard.”

– Anne Kaiser, VP Community & Economic Development, Georgia Power