HARTFORD, CT — Engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell announces it will donate over $1 million over three years to support science centers, one of which is the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
Through interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and learning programs that go beyond textbooks, the Connecticut Science Center offers students of all backgrounds the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The donations are funded by the Burns & McDonnell Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Burns & McDonnell. Driven and funded by the firm’s employee-owners, the foundation invests in programs and initiatives that inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, cultivate vibrant and healthy communities, and advance civic initiatives through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations.
“Investing in science centers is about more than exhibits, it’s about sparking curiosity, expanding access, and opening doors,” said Leslie M. Duke, Chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell. “Our foundation supports these spaces because they bring STEM to life for young people, especially those who might not see themselves in these careers, even though we know they belong there.”
A $500,000 donation to the Connecticut Science Center will help modernize the current energy exhibit, originally developed in 2009, transforming it into an engaging, updated experience that explores electricity, fossil fuels, clean energy sources, and the challenges of meeting future energy demands. Development is already underway to define the concept for the new exhibit, with installation planned for 2028.
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"Burns & McDonnell has been a valued partner of the Connecticut Science Center since our early days, contributing meaningfully to our exhibits, public programs, and STEM outreach," said Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. "Their support of the re-imagined Energy City gallery is a powerful investment in the future. Together, we are creating an engaging space that showcases cutting-edge energy technologies and empowers our community with practical knowledge about sustainable living. This collaboration is helping inspire a greener, brighter tomorrow for all."
