July 28, 2009

News Release

“RAISE” Program Announces Opening of Cyber Café Exhibit at Discovery Science Place

Public-Private Partnership Focuses on Internet Safety for Families

The RAISE Program, a public-private partnership involving Suddenlink Communications, Discovery Science Place, Tyler ISD and the City of Tyler Police Department will open an Internet Safety Exhibit, the “Suddenlink Cyber Café,” at Discovery Science Place.  The new exhibit will be featured in the museum’s “Joyce Buford Hometown, USA” area, a child-sized community that spotlights many key businesses and services across the region. The Grand Opening event, open to Museum Members and the Suddenlink Family, will be Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Discovery Science Place, 308 North Broadway Avenue, Tyler.  The new exhibit will be open to all visitors beginning Friday, July 31, 2009.

The new exhibit features Internet safety computer stations for kids, Internet safety videos, and take-home literature for parents and caregivers.  It is an opportunity for families to learn about Internet safety together in a safe environment.

Construction of the exhibit truly has been a “hands-on” experience for the primary sponsors.  Volunteers consisting of top management from Suddenlink constructed, painted and floored the exhibit area. They also provided the equipment and wired the interactive computer stations.

“We believe in the educational value of hands-on learning environment provided at Discovery Science Place,” explains Russell Moreland, general manager for Suddenlink. “Our team embraced the hands-on culture of the museum by working together to bring the Internet Safety exhibit to life for the RAISE program and Discovery Science Place.”

RAISE – Raising Awareness in Internet Safety through Education – brings awareness and provides tools to parents, educators and caregivers about ways to make the Internet a safer place for kids.

 
“Our children are growing up in a world where technology abounds and tools like the Internet are readily available,” said Michael Shanklin, executive director of Discovery Science Place. “And like any other tool, the Internet can be used for good and bad.  We’re happy to help equip children and parents with knowledge on how to make good decisions when using the Internet.”

Recognized among the top 25 science centers in the nation by Parents magazine, the Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment whose purpose is to open young minds to science, technology, math and cultures in order to meet the challenges of the future.  Located at 308 N. Broadway in downtown Tyler, it is supported by grants, donations, admissions, memberships and special events. Admission to the museum is $6 per person.  Children 2 years and younger pay no admission fee. For more information about the exhibit, call (903) 533-8011 or visit the website at www.discoveryscienceplace.org.  

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