The Reading Science Center has received a $142,000 grant from the Neag Foundation to expand access to science learning opportunities for children and families across Berks County.

The funding will support renovations to create new exhibit and classroom space and help develop after-school programs at the center, 645 Penn St., said Ralia Vardaxis, executive director of the Reading Science Center.

“Neag is also subsidizing field trip costs for local schools,” she said, noting the combined initiatives are expected to have an impact on more than 6,000 children annually.

Vardaxis called the gift an extraordinary investment in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, education for Berks County’s children.

The improvements, she said, will allow the center to accommodate more students in facilitated science investigations that align with classroom learning, better serve schools across the region and expand outreach programs and public access.

The Neag Foundation funding will help establish a free after-school science program for children in Berks, she said. The program will build on the success of the center’s Sisters in STEM initiative by serving a younger demographic and broadening opportunities for students across the community to explore science beyond the school day.

“We are proud to support the Reading Science Center in its important work to bring science, technology, math and engineering education and enrichment to more students,” said Sally Renzulli, chair of the foundation’s board of trustees.

The foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Raymond and Carole Neag, whose longstanding support for educational excellence produced important results, Renzulli said, calling it a philanthropic force for positive change in educational initiatives dedicated to making a difference in the world.

With the support from the Neag Foundation, the science center said it is poised to reach more students, welcome more families and create new opportunities for hands-on science learning.

More information is available at readingsciencecenter.org.