Kentucky Science Center’s Community Access Membership has seen tremendous growth since its launch in December 2020, and recently the program reached a huge milestone. Kentucky Science Center has provided Community Access Memberships to over 8,700 families in the state and surrounding regions. As of February 2023, the total amount of memberships awarded is valued at $1,000,853.

The Community Access Membership provides a free, family membership to participants in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Women Infants Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. SNAP/WIC cards from any state are accepted as proof of eligibility for this membership.

Community Access Memberships provide the same great benefits as all of Kentucky Science Center’s family memberships, including unlimited admission to Kentucky Science Center’s permanent exhibits, discounted parking in our 8th Street lot, savings on camps, and access to exclusive member programming.

The impact of Kentucky Science Center’s Community Access Membership program is clear. Community Access Members live in every Jefferson County district, as well as 98% of Kentucky and 39% of Indiana counties. Additionally, data shows that the program is allowing Kentucky Science Center to break down financial barriers that have previously been an impediment to membership – over 95% of Community Access Members have never held a Kentucky Science Center membership previously.

Kentucky Science Center Chief Executive Officer Mike Norman believes that the rapid growth in Community Access Membership sign-ups proves that the program is meeting a crucial community need. “We’ve always believed in the idea of “Science for All” – that science education should be available to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status or ability to pay. Programs like this help us put that belief into practice in a truly powerful way. We know that this investment will pay dividends for years to come, and that kindling the love of science and technology in today’s children will ignite the spark that creates the leaders of tomorrow.”

A variety of sponsors have provided over $201,000 in funding and support for the Community Access Membership program since its launch including Brown-Forman Foundation; GE Appliances, a Haier Company; Genentech; LG&E and KU Foundation; Metro United Way; Spatial Data Integrations; and UPS Foundation. Dozens of individual donors also contributed to the program in both 2021 and 2022 through Give for Good, Louisville’s annual day of giving. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested businesses can contact Director of Philanthropy Morgan McLaughlin ([email protected]) for more information.

Application forms for the Community Access Membership can be submitted electronically by visiting kysciencecenter.org/membership. Online applications are typically processed within 10 business days. Alternately, guests can visit Kentucky Science Center’s ticket desk with their SNAP/WIC card and photo ID to apply for and activate their membership on the same day. The SNAP/WIC recipient must be named on the membership.

Kentucky Science Center is located at 727 W. Main Street on Louisville’s historic Museum Row and is open to the public seven days a week from 9:30AM to 5:00PM. Our 50,000 square feet of space allows families plenty of opportunity to explore, experiment, and Do Science. Secure your general admission tickets by visiting kysciencecenter.org.