As an incentive to help drive attendance on the first day of school, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago has partnered with Chicago Public Schools for its tenth year in a row to provide every child in grades K-12 who attends the first day of class with a free family pass to the Museum.
Each pass is good for up to three (3) adult or child general admission tickets to the Museum between September 6, 2016 and the end of the school year, June 20, 2017. The passes will be included in the information packets all students receive on the first day of school.
Since the program’s launch in 2006, the Museum has distributed more than 3.8 million free Museum passes to CPS students.
“When you think about the impact of this incentive, it’s a fantastic way to welcome so many local students and their families to MSI,” said David Mosena, the president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry. “With every free Museum pass, each child has a chance to find his or her passion in science, technology, engineering or medicine while visiting MSI.”
CPS students have another opportunity to jumpstart their education before school begins at no cost. On Wednesday, August 31—in honor of the inaugural Chicago Museum Days, part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s One Summer Chicago initiative—CPS students can come to MSI and receive free Museum Entry for themselves and one additional adult.
To further extend MSI’s commitment to inspire children to explore STEM topics, the Museum also works in partnership with the Chicago Public Library. This summer, the Museum sent 24 interns to 18 Chicago Public Library branches, providing area children with fun, hands-on science activities. Additionally, this partnership includes supporting the annual Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge, designed to keep kids’ brains active all summer long.
MSI supports Illinois students and their teachers throughout the year. All Illinois K-12 teachers receive free general admission every day, and all Illinois school children visiting MSI on field trips also receive free general admission. For the past seven years, MSI has been the top field trip destination among Chicago museums and zoos with more than 335,000 students visiting in 2015.
The Museum also provides free, high-quality science teacher education courses targeted to teachers from high-needs schools. Teachers can take MSI courses for graduate credit. Applications for this year’s programs are due September 8. Learn more at msichicago.org/education/professional-development/teacher-courses/.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and
family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open 9:30–4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Extended hours, until 5:30 p.m., are offered during peak periods. The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
