THE MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER OPENS DOORS FOR FORD FUND FREE PLAYFUL LEARNING WEEKEND

Event is Free to the Public Thanks to Support from Ford Motor Company Fund

Detroit, Mich., November 3, 2022 – The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) will open its doors for free to the public on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13 in a special Ford Free Playful Learning Weekend. Mi-Sci will host a variety of playful learning activities including Build the Change and special experiences in Spark!Lab and on the Science Stage. This event, sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund, is part of Mi-Sci’s participation in the Playful Learning Network and LEGO’s Learning Through Play initiative.

“We are grateful to Ford Motor Company Fund for supporting a free weekend aimed at increasing access for children and families in our community and themed around the concept of learning through play,” said Dr. Christian Greer, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “In partnership with The LEGO Foundation, Mi-Sci regularly participates in a collaborative network of professionals, caregivers, and organizations dedicated to elevating the value and impact of playful learning across the country and throughout the world. We want our local community to be included in this global movement.”

“Our future depends on our ability to create inspiring and engaging educational opportunities for the next generation,” said Renee Godfrey, manager at Ford Fund. “Michigan Science Center creates those opportunities. It’s a great place for students and families to explore how science and technology impacts and improves our lives.”

While tickets are free, visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance to attend the Ford Free Playful Learning Weekend on November 12^th and 13^th. Mi-Sci members will receive early access to the Level Up exhibit at 9 a.m. on both days. Please visit www.mi-sci.org to make reservations, which will be available on Tuesday, November 8^th. Hours of operations will be 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ford Motor Company Fund

As the automaker’s philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund has been supporting local communities for more than 70 years. Working with nonprofit organizations, community partners and across the Ford network in the U.S. and in 43 countries, Ford Fund provides resources and opportunities that advance racial equity and empower people to reach their highest potential. Since 1949, Ford and Ford Fund have invested more than $2.2 billion in initiatives that ensure basic needs are met, provide access to essential services, offer tools to build new skillsets and open pathways to high quality jobs. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.

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More than 700 businesses are represented in Visit Detroit’s membership. Visit Detroit was founded in 1896 as the world’s first convention and visitors bureau. visitdetroit.com