San Diego--The Fleet Science Center is a sponsor of the March for Science - San Diego, which will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The Fleet will also participate in the march and has invited all its employees and volunteers, and their friends and family, to march. The march is a family-friendly, nonpartisan event with the goal of raising awareness of the contributions of science to society and the importance of supportive public policy.

The March for Science - San Diego is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the central role that science plays in our daily lives. It's also an opportunity to advocate for public policy that supports and is informed by evidence-based science. The San Diego march is one of nearly 500 Marches for Science planned across America and around the world.

"This gathering of scientists, engineers and science enthusiasts will highlight the importance of science in our lives," said Steve Snyder, CEO of the Fleet Science Center. "Here in San Diego, science is at the center of our economic, civic and cultural prosperity. From Blue Tech to satellite communications, our industries rely on scientific endeavor and thrive because of it. The collective problems facing our region, such as water and transportation, will have at their heart scientific solutions. Science is essential to our future."

The March for Science - San Diego begins downtown at the San Diego Civic Center, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92101. Following speeches, the march will proceed to Broadway, then to North Harbor Drive, ending at the County Administration Center and Waterfront Park. The route is approximately one mile long. Additional speeches and table activities will take place at Waterfront Park until 3 p.m.

The Fleet Science Center and the March for Science share the goal of creating more awareness and understanding of science. The Fleet accomplishes this through community programs like 52 Weeks of Science, Two Scientists Walk Into a Barsm and BE WiSE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering), as well as by offering interactive exhibits at the science center; showing IMAX® films and planetarium shows in the Giant Dome Theater; bringing dozens of science programs, run by Fleet educators, to schools all over the county each month; and providing multiple events throughout the year to students, teachers and adults to encourage San Diegans to explore and discover through science.

"The Fleet's role is to be the central link between science and San Diego's communities, schools and scientific organizations," said Dr. Snyder. "This is something we do every day, and we take great pride in it. If we are to continue to move forward as individuals, as a community, as a nation, we must embrace science. We march to ensure that our next generation of thinkers, doers and decision makers supports science and uses its power and possibilities to create a better world."

To learn more about the March for Science, visit marchforsciencesd.com.

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To schedule an interview with a representative from the Fleet Science Center please contact Fleet Science Center Public Relations Manager Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org.

The March for Science - San Diego media contact is Diana Hereld. She can be reached at media@marchforsciencesd.com.