Famous astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson to visit Walla Walla

Local donations pave way for students to see presentation from famous astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Approximately 400 Walla Walla students will be able to attend a once-in-a-lifetime presentation from world famous scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson thanks to nearly $20,000 in local donations. Students will join Tyson Sept 11 and 12 to see his “Cosmos” presentation at Cordiner Hall on the campus of Whitman College. This amazing learning activity was made possible in coordination with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. The CCLS program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

“Tyson is the premiere astrophysicist in the USA and is a bonafide celebrity with regard to his passion and desire to engage the American public in the mysteries of space through popular mediums including his FOX TV show Cosmos,” said Brent Cummings, 21st Century Community Learning Centers director. “The importance of his presentation to the community and our at-risk 21st CCLC students, who would be attending, is enormous.”

Cummings said numerous local community organizations and businesses have risen to the challenge of raising the necessary funds to make this experience possible for Walla Walla students.

“The money they donated will be applied directly to seating costs for 410 impoverished, minority, and/or underserved Walla Walla Public Schools students,” said Cummings. “Like the students targeted to attend his presentation, Neil DeGrasse Tyson grew up an impoverished, minority public school student waiting for his moment of inspiration.”

Approximately 60 Walla Walla students will also have a private sit-down conversation with Tyson at Main Street Studios as another opportunity for inspiration.