Thanks to a $50,000 grant from National Grid, Providence Children’s Museum will be able to provide free admission to 500 families with low incomes and put more funds toward its new ThinkSpace exhibit.

ThinkSpace explores spatial thinking by allowing visitors to explore, create and experiment with shape and space through hands-on play and learning experiences.

According to National Grid, education is one of the company’s charitable focuses. The grant is said to signify the company’s understanding that spatial thinking is the basis for science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) learning.

“National Grid strongly supports Providence Children’s Museum’s mission to provide a stimulating learning environment for our young people,” said Timothy F. Horan, president of National Grid in Rhode Island. “This donation is a reflection of our company’s commitment to fund learning programs in Rhode Island and all of our jurisdictions.”

Janice O’Donnell, executive director of the museum, said her organization is deeply grateful to National Grid. •