Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center has received a $50,000 matching grant donation from United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Aerospace Systems. Donations received by Sept. 30 will apply to the matching grant total. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE — Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center has received a $50,000 matching grant donation from United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Aerospace Systems.

The grant will support Sci-Quest’s educational programs and its mission to serve the public and inspire a lifelong quest for discovery through educational and interactive science.

“We’re at a critical time in Sci-Quest’s development,” Sci-Quest Executive Director Cyndy Morgan said. “This grant and its supporting match will enable us to continue providing quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs to all the children, families, teachers and communities we currently serve.”

UTC Aerospace Systems hopes to encourage other corporations and individuals to provide funding for Sci-Quest with this matching grant. A matching grant requires the recipient to match the gift dollar-for-dollar from other sources. Donations received by Sept. 30 will apply to the matching grant total.

“UTC Aerospace Systems is proud to support Sci-Quest’s mission of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers,” UTC Aerospace Systems Market Manager Eric Newman said. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and these young minds are the innovators of tomorrow.”

In addition, the grant will allow Sci-Quest to purchase new technology resources, including new tablets and updated software.

“UTC Aerospace Systems’ generous matching grant already gives us a huge boost,” Sci-Quest Development/Marketing Director Jennifer Deermer. “We hope this inspires other businesses, individuals, and families to come forward to help us reach this important goal. Every dollar will matter.”

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC’s Huntsville address is 5030 Bradford Blvd. NW. For more information, visit utc.com or Twitter #UTC.

Since opening at its new location at 1435 Paramount Drive in 2014, Sci-Quest has seen more visitors than ever before in its history, Morgan said. For more information, call 256-837-0606 or visit sci-quest.org.