Community Access Program
The Community Access Program (CAP) provides free Sciencenter visits for community-based organizations serving eligible audiences.
How it works
Qualifying organizations submit an application. If eligible, they receive a one-year membership that allows their staff to bring clients or participants to the museum for free.
Organizations must serve individuals in Tompkins, Cortland, Cayuga, Seneca, Schuyler, Chemung, or Tioga counties.
For more information about the program or to see if your organization is eligible, please contact Membership Services at membership@sciencenter.org or 607-272-0600 ext 118.
Eligible organizations must serve at least one of the following audiences:
- Indigenous communities and individuals
- Refugees and immigrants
- Other BIPOC Communities
- At-risk LGBTQ identified youth
- Unhoused and low-income individuals/families
- Formerly incarcerated individuals and their families
- Disabled and neurodiverse individuals
- Low-income youth
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we check in when we arrive?
Once your registration has been approved by Member Services, your organization may visit using one of the following ways:
- Check in with our front desk team using your organization’s ID badge.*
- If you are an organization that uses one-time use passes, please provide those to our front desk to check in.
*During your registration process, our Membership Services coordinator will contact you to confirm whether your staff can use their ID badges in lieu of a pass. Organization ID badges can be used when the ID badge clearly designates the organization or department/program, as in large organizations such as Tompkins County.
Also, One-time use passes may be issued to organizations that provide their clients with passes directly so they can visit on their own or with their family.
Do we have to call in advance to come in with group?
Yes, please! If your group is 10 people or larger, please call 607-272-0600 at least 5 days in advance to let our front desk know.
Does our registration expire?
Community Access Program memberships expire annually. Please note that in situations where there are multiple branches or locations for one branch, each branch or location must qualify individually.
How can my organization request passes?
If your organization is one that distributes one-time use passes directly to individuals or families, and your organization has been approved by Member Services, you can request additional passes here.
Who from my organization can visit?
Once your registration has been approved, staff members who work directly with clients or participants can visit with individuals or groups from your organization. The Community Access Program is not for personal use.