BRIDGES is hosted by:
Philadelphia/Camden Informal Science Education Collaborative (PISEC):
The Academy of Natural Sciences,
The New Jersey Academy of Aquatic Sciences,
The Philadelphia Zoo, and
The Franklin Institute.

June 20-22, 2008

BRIDGES: A Museum/Community Partnership Conference will explore how museums and other learning institutions and community organizations (CBOs) can work together towards a shared vision of engaging underserved families in science enrichment activities. BRIDGES is specifically designed for programs whose primary audience is family groups. Transportation, hotel, and meal costs for conference participants will be paid by a National Science Foundation grant.

BRIDGES will bring together museum and community pairs from 25 partnerships to explore best practices for developing and sustaining these innovative programs. The conference will provide opportunities for participants to meet others engaged in similar efforts, to share triumphs and tragedies, and to build an ongoing community of practice. A dynamic keynote speaker, poster sessions, and breakout discussions will provide the basis for building a new museum/community network to help guide, nurture, and expand new and continuing science programs that serve families.

Topics to be covered include:

  • Building rewarding relationships among museums, community organizations, and families
  • Exploring cultural issues that influence the development of museum/community relationships
  • Sharing answers to persistent logistical challenges such as: transportation, admission fees, pre-registration, deposits, limiting attendance, etc.
  • Developing strategies for funding and sustaining programs for underserved families
  • Encouraging participants in family enrichment programs to become museum visitors

Participation in BRIDGES will involve museum/community teams which serve families. There are two representatives per team-one from a museum or other informal science institution and one from a community-based organization. If you and a partner organization would like to participate in BRIDGES, fill out the application form whose link is located to the left.

Space is limited; apply today! We welcome your participation!

If you have additional questions or concerns, contact Barbara Kelly at 215.448.1088 or barbaram@fi.edu.

This conference is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.