San Diego—The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Science Alliance are coming together to create an expanded hub for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) organizations and learning opportunities in San Diego.

Effective March 1, 2016, the Fleet will assume SDSA's efforts to re-engineer the education/workforce pipeline, expand partnerships and serve as a county-wide resource for San Diego's educational, nonprofit and business communities. The Fleet will also operate two of SDSA's most respected programs: Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) and the annual High Tech Fair.

"Our role is to be the central link between science and our communities, our schools and scientific organizations," said Dr. Steve Snyder, the Fleet's CEO. "San Diego is a hub for technology and innovation, and the Fleet's goal is to connect people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future for our community."

The Fleet currently provides numerous STEM educational programs at the science center, at schools and in the community, as well as teacher professional development opportunities. The addition of BE WiSE, which shares a mission similar to the Fleet's SciTech after-school program, and the High Tech Fair to the Fleet's roster of offerings will enhance the Fleet's ability to positively impact science education and support both teachers and students.

"I am confident that the Fleet Board of Directors and Steve Snyder and his team have the resources, enthusiasm and experience to continue to serve our stakeholders, carry on the SDSA legacy and thrive as the new go-to STEM resource for San Diego alliances," stated Ellen Peneski, SDSA Executive Director.

In 2015, the Fleet launched 52 Weeks of Science, which leverages the efforts of more than 35 STEM education organizations to provide free weekly science events for a full year in the Barrio Logan and Logan Heights neighborhood. All of the organizations were active in the same neighborhood with the same goal of broadening and expanding STEM learning—but they were all working separately. Through 52 Weeks of Science, the Fleet has organized a collaborative, impactful network that is supported by a community awareness campaign. Existing programs like SciTech and 52 Weeks of Science, along with a commitment to community and dedication to education, made the joining of the two organizations a natural fit.

For two decades, SDSA advanced STEM in the San Diego County region with a goal of enhancing science literacy in K through 12 education. A nonprofit consortium of leaders from more than 300 STEM organizations in San Diego County worked together to provide science resources to educators; create, implement and support science education programs for local students and teachers; and foster public/private partnerships among the region's diverse business, education, nonprofit and scientific research communities. In order to continue to positively impact science teaching and learning in the most efficient way possible, SDSA board of directors voted to render the organization's mission to the Fleet and cease all operations, effective February 29, 2016.

Since October 2015, SDSA had been actively seeking a like-minded organization that had the experience and resources to take over their mission to enhance science literacy in K-12 education and in the San Diego community. The Fleet was selected due to its 43 year history of inspiring passion for science learning in people of all ages throughout San Diego County. In recent years, the Fleet further expanded its role as a convener and connector for San Diego organizations to increase opportunities for science learning throughout the county.

In fiscal year 2015, the Fleet reached more than 440,000 children and adults through exhibitions, films and events at the science center, as well as school and community programs throughout San Diego County. Annually, SDSA has reached 30,000 K-12 students; 3,500 teachers; and 300 industry, research and university partners.

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To schedule an interview with the Fleet's CEO, Dr. Steve Snyder, please contact Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Public Relations Manager Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org.

To schedule an interview with SDSA's Executive Director, Ellen Peneski, please contact her at 619-400-9777 or ellen.peneski@sdsa.org.

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About the San Diego Science Alliance

The San Diego Science Alliance is dedicated to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the San Diego County region. The organization has been in existence for two decades and was created to ignite passion in all San Diego children, re-engineer the education/workforce pipeline and further STEM learning through partnerships, programs and services. Our reach encompasses the county's educational, nonprofit and business communities. More info at sdsa.org