Sarasota welcomes Suncoast Science Center

The Faulhaber Family Foundation announced the planning of the Suncoast Science Center Monday, April 21.

The Suncoast Science Center, which is part of the foundation’s STEM Education Opportunity program, will provide educational opportunities for Sarasota County students and members of the community.

The Faulhaber Family Foundation focuses on promoting the interest and education of science among students through outreach programs such as classroom demonstrations and the Science Lending Library.

Faulhaber Family Foundation Executive Director Ping Faulhaber says the center will help inspire students to pursue a career in science.

“We need a place outside the classroom where there are no time limits," says Ping Faulhaber, "where kids can explore, create and be innovative."

The center will allow guests to learn about the sciences by using all of their senses, something Dr. Fritz Faulhaber says is one of a kind.

The Suncoast Science Center will provide 60,000 square feet of experiential learning and include a Lending Library, Exploration Zone, Artistic Avenue, Research Station and Networking Nucleus. The foundation hopes the center, like science, will evolve and offer new and exciting opportunities for students.

“It’s not a museum,” says Dr. Faulhaber, “the center will never be the same from one month to the next.”

The Faulhaber Family Foundation also announced that the School District has allowed the foundation to temporarily set up a space at Sarasota County Technical Institute.

The foundation is currently looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the project.

“It takes a community to build a community,” says Ping Faulhaber.

For more information and to volunteer visit www.suncoastscience.org.

To contact Harriet Sokmensuer, please email [email protected]