Mississippi Science Fest presented by C Spire to Celebrate STEM Virtually

Jackson, Miss. (August 1, 2020) – The Mississippi Science Fest (MSF), presented by C Spire, is the LeFleur Museum District’s (LMD) signature event which will take place virtually for 2020 on September 18 and 19. After drawing over 6,500 visitors in 2019, MSF remains committed to the goal of introducing new educational opportunities in STEM industries to Mississippi children in hopes of bringing about a brighter future for the residents and upcoming workforce of our state. “The importance of computer science education and the need for computer science professionals has been on center stage since our global public health emergency began in March,” said Carla Lewis, Chief Technology Officer for C Spire and a principal partner with the LeFleur Museum District for the fifth annual Mississippi Science Fest. “While much of this year’s program will be virtual, the central role of the internet and the professionals who write the code that powers much of the software that is the engine for this amazing technology has never been more critical to everyone’s quality of life.” This year’s event will include a two-day schedule filled with video content available through the LMD Facebook page showcasing science exploration and activities with exhibitors in a variety of STEM fields including NASA, the Mississippi Polymer Institute, NOAA-National Weather Service, and many others. For the first time in conjunction with the virtual event, Mississippi Science Fest Activity Kits are available for families to experience STEM activities together at home. Each kit contains instructions, video demonstrations, and supplies for eight curated activities and experiments for families to complete together. MSF Activity Kits are $15 and available for purchase by visiting mssciencefest.org. “The LMD team is excited to share these fun STEM activities during this year’s virtual Mississippi Science Fest!” said LMD President and Director of MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. “We believe that experiences like this help to create the next generation of problem solvers who lead the way to a brighter future.” The Virtual Mississippi Science Fest will take place on September 18 and 19, 2020 on the LeFleur Museum District Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LeFleurMuseumDistrict). For a full schedule of the virtual content and to purchase Mississippi Science Fest Activity Kits, visit www.mssciencefest.org.

About the LeFleur Museum District The LeFleur Museum District (LMD) promotes four uniquely different museums and is located at a one-quarter mile stretch, just off I-55 and Lakeland Drive in Jackson, MS. Featuring the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the LMD’s mission is to inspire visitors from around the region and nation with a sense of wonder. LMD creates opportunities for growth for all museums involved through joint events and cross-promotion of individual activities. Associations like the LeFleur Museum District are important developments to this region’s creative economy. The district partners with nearby restaurants and hotels to build the area as a premier destination for visitors. For more information, visit LeFleurMuseumDistrict.com. About C Spire and the C Spire Foundation C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class customer- inspired service and a superior comprehensive suite of wireless communications, high-speed Internet access and a range of other telecommunications products and services to consumers and businesses. The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c) nonprofit organization and its mission is to support STEM education that strengthens digital literacy, technology and professional skills development for students in grades K-12 and at institutions of higher learning in Mississippi. For more information about C Spire or the C Spire Foundation, visit www.cspire.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.