Dennis Wint, CEO of The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and former CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center, meets former Saint Louis colleagues Marti Cortez (left), Senior VP, Human Resources, and Deborah Washington (right), VP, Human Resources, at the 2008 ASTC Annual Conference in Philadelphia. Diversity in the science center workplace is a priority for ASTC supported by the 21st Century Fund.

ASTC's aim is to ensure that science centers worldwide are valued by the public and regarded as essential to their communities.

Lesley Lewis, President
ASTC Board of Directors

Since its founding in 1973, ASTC has nurtured a generation of science center professionals as the field has grown into a global phenomenon. ASTC is now the largest organization of interactive science centers in the world, with member organizations in 44 countries and every U.S. state. With the success of the field have come greater demands.

The 21st Century Fund was established by the ASTC Board of Directors in 2006 to respond to these demands. Individuals who value ASTC's work and have benefited from it can help keep ASTC a 'change agent' for the science center and museum field into the next century. By making a contribution to the Fund, your gift will support:

• A strong professional development program, including leadership training to promote a diverse workforce in the science center field
• Updated online resources and use of social media to promote best practices
• Research to document and communicate impact of science centers and informal learning
• Advocacy for the interests of U.S. science centers before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies

With the adoption of ASTC's Strategic Direction for 2009-2013, the science center field will be served in the years ahead by bold new ASTC initiatives. An annual gift to the 21st Century Fund by those who have benefited from the field will help ASTC achieve these goals. Your donation to the Fund will continue your involvement with the science center community and contribute to its future growth.

You will find a 21st Century Fund Gift Card and more information about requested donation levels by clicking on Making a Gift. Please join us in ensuring that ASTC stays a strong leader for the science center field by sending a contribution to:

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