CT Science Center Boosts Student Achievement in STEM with Statewide Reach

The numbers are in, highlighting an impactful 2024 for the Connecticut Science Center, alongside the Connecticut River in downtown Hartford. By “engaging families, students and educators,” the Science Center “ensures maximum impact and effectiveness,” according to officials, who site data that evidences the results.

The Science Center recently noted that “in 2024 alone, the Science Center served more than 64,000 school students through onsite and offsite programing, reaching every city and town in Connecticut … through immersive field trips, in-class programs, and sustained professional development for teachers.”

Officials point out as an example the comments of Catherine Kolnaski, STEAM Magnet School in Groton, who attributes a 24% increase in 5th grade science assessment scores from 2023 to 2024 to consistent support from the Science Center’s Science in Motion programs, field trips and community STEM Nights, and educator professonal development.

Among the districts seeing similar increases were Manchester and East Hartford, as well as the Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School in Hartford.

Across Connecticut, schools and districts in long-term strategic partnerships with the Science Center saw an averge 13% increase in standardized science test scores, officials indicated, results that “highlight the power of collaboration and the measurable success of the mission to inspire lifelong STEM learning.”

The Mandell Academy for Teachers served 611 educators and Science CEnter staff delivered 648 traeling programs throughout the year. STEM Career Showcases featured 88 volunteer STEM professionals from 20 companies, reaching nearly 3,000 students, with 97.5 percent of attendees coming away feeling capable of pursuing a STEM career, according to data complied by the Science Center.

Officials note that “by sparking curiosity, buiding confidence, and connecting science to students’ everyday lives, the Connecticut Science Center is helping to create a stronger, more scientifically literate future for all.”

Data also reflects that 54% of student programs were conducted in Alliance School Districts in Connecticut, which are the lowest performing school districts in Connecticut.

Also noted: visitors to the Connecticut Science Center have come from all 50 states, as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico.