The Magic of Free Tuesday

Walking into the Fleet Science Center on the first Tuesday of the month is like walking into a celebration. An exciting energy pulses through the air as families crisscross the galleries. Joy is contagious as laughter bounces off the walls. Every hallway is filled with creativity and connection as visitors experiment with exhibits and explore the power of science.

This day is Resident Free Day, also known as Free Tuesday, when we open our doors to the San Diego community to connect with science free of charge. Last year, we welcomed over 45,000 people into a world of possibility across monthly Free Tuesdays, which would not be possible without long-time supporter, Qualcomm Incorporated.

In August, we announced a new collaboration with Qualcomm, a global technology company dedicated to increasing community engagement and access to hands-on educational experiences. With Qualcomm’s support, Free Tuesdays at the Fleet not only continue, but flourish, with interactive STEM experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.

“Free Tuesdays are a cornerstone of accessibility and community engagement for San Diego County,” says Carlos Cristiani, Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at the Fleet. “With Qualcomm’s help, we can continue working towards a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science.”

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Qualcomm’s dedication to STEM accessibility and education can be felt in communities across the country. In 2014, the Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ was founded, a program that brings hands-on invention and engineering activities to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, helping them develop foundational STEM skills, explore careers, and foster their interest in pursuing STEM.

Since its inception, the Thinkabit Lab has reached over 100,000 young inventors nationwide. One of these inventors is Billy Phan, a San Diego native who attended a Thinkabit Lab summer camp in middle school. 

“The Thinkabit Lab experience was my first step into the realm of tech, and it’s something that has propelled me to where I am today,” says Phan. He went on to secure a software internship at Qualcomm Technologies while studying at the University of California, San Diego, which led to his current full-time position at Qualcomm Technologies.

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On November 4th, Qualcomm is bringing the Thinkabit Lab to the Fleet Science Center’s Free Tuesday for the first time. You can step into an electrician’s shoes with two unique activities that explore how circuits work and even build a circuit that makes an LED blink!

We are excited to join forces with Qualcomm in our shared goal to increase access to and engagement with STEM. With their support, Free Tuesdays at the Fleet will see even more excitement, joy, and connection.

Join us in building a future where STEM opportunities are within reach for everyone on November 4th, and every day beyond!