HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Connecticut Science Center is well under way in terms of construction and raising funds to bring young people closer to the thrills of science.

The center moved closer to meeting its financial goal Thursday with a $1 million donation from Northeast Utilities announced on Thursday morning.

Read more about the new Connecticut Science Center by clicking here.

"As much as there's a big slug of state money wrapped up in this, we wouldn't be building it without the corporate support in this state," said Dr. Theodore Sergi, the center's president and CEO.

Northeast Utilities will sponsor the exhibit "Forces in Motion," which company executives said they hope will encourage children to consider careers in science.

"Making sure that as young people progress through school that the interest in the sciences is there will clearly help our businesses, but clearly helps the nation," Northeast Utilities CEO Chuck Shiver said.

State Announces Millions More In Funding

Later the same day, the governor's office announced more than $10 million from the state, which comprises a the balance of the state's $15 million commitment in matching funds for the center.

"The Connecticut Science Center will be a key attraction at Adriaen's Landing and an important way to get and keep our young people interested in the scientific world," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell in a statement.

Construction on the 144,000-square-foot building began last January and will include 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, classrooms, meeting and conference areas, a 3-D theater and an observation platform over the Connecticut River. The center will also host Channel 3's Hartford Newsroom.

The center, located at Columbus and State next to the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford, is slated to open next year.

Click here to e-mail newstips to Eyewitness News, or dial toll-free: 866-289-0333. Be sure to stay with WFSB.com and Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest Connecticut Science Center news updates.