A health insurance company has signed a multi-year deal to become the cornerstone sponsor of youth employment programmes at the Connecticut Science Center. Announced in Hartford, the partnership with Aetna, a CVS Health company, will fund the facility’s STEM Career Connections initiatives through 2030. The financial investment aims to secure the future workforce of the state by building education pipelines in emerging sectors.
The state workforce development network uses the facility to connect young people with industrial mentors, career exploration pathways and practical training workshops. The fresh funding will allow the science institution to expand these projects to wider areas, ensuring local students receive adequate preparation for employment in rapidly changing technology industries.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It represents shared responsibility for Connecticut’s future,” said Matt Fleury, President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. “Aetna’s long-term investment allows us to expand STEM Career Connections in meaningful ways, inspire the next generation of innovators, and ensure that Connecticut remains competitive in high-growth industries like AI and healthcare. We are proud to stand alongside Aetna in building pathways that begin here in Hartford and extend across our entire state.”
The collaboration has already resulted in the development of a physical educational space called the AI STEM Career Zone. This interactive platform was debuted at the site during a specialist career showcase on May 15. Designed to appear at future student paths and educational events, the installation aims to guide visitors toward advanced employment positions in healthcare technology and computational fields.
The agreement also includes local community benefits for corporate staff based in the city. Under the terms of the sponsorship, Aetna employees will receive free general admission to the Hartford science complex, allowing their families to access the permanent exhibitions.
“Aetna has long been committed to Hartford and to the communities we serve,” said Katerina Guerraz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Aetna. “By supporting the Connecticut Science Center’s STEM Career Connections initiatives, we are helping expand education pathways that connect young people to real-world learning, emerging fields like AI and healthcare, and the skills they need for future success. We are proud to invest in programs that strengthen Hartford and help build Connecticut’s next generation workforce.”
