Planetarium Renovation

Few classes excited ELCO Middle School students more than Space Science in the planetarium. Years of alumni can talk about Mr. Phillips and can still name all of the stars in the Big Dipper.

With the commitment of the ELCO School District and the ELCO Education Foundation, the planetarium will undergo a renovation and re-imagination to serve current and future Raiders.

SSIA Technologies, which specializes in planetariums and immersive venues, will install a state-of-the-art system to take students on journeys through space, adventures in history, under the sea, and many more. Programs in the planetarium will benefit students in all grades and across numerous academic areas. See some examples of shows on the SSIA Technologies website.


Learn more about how you can be a part of this exciting initiative!

As part of the kickoff to this campaign, the ELCO Foundation hosted A Night Under the Stars on Saturday, August 12. Guests enjoyed stargazing along with food, drinks, entertainment, and live and silent auction.

Donate to the Planetarium

Individual donations and corporate sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels. View the donor levels and make an online donation here. Maximize your donation by mailing it to ELCO Education Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Myerstown, PA 17067.

Your support can make a difference in the learning experience of our students! 

A Night Under the Stars Recap

The ELCO Education Foundation’s A Night Under The Stars gala in early August raised $105,000 toward the renovation of the ELCO Planetarium. The event at Willow Springs in Richland, Pa., included live and silent auctions, the option to sponsor a telescope, live music, and stargazing. Beloved teacher Mr. Phillips attended and spoke about his time teaching at ELCO. In fact, the most popular auction item of the evening was a night of stargazing with Mr. Phillips along with a telescope from his personal collection!