I was recently invited to participate
in a project highlighting the myriad of ways non-profit organizations
contribute to education. This is a topic that is near and dear to me
as I have worked for several educational non-profits. I'd like to
highlight here some large organizations that are contributing to STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
learning through school and extracurricular programming in addition
to smaller organizations that provide educational programming in
addition to summer opportunities for families.
Many organizations have initiatives
that provide science opportunities for students who may not have
support in this area elsewhere. Engaging students in STEM is vital in
assuring a future of innovators and problem-solvers.
STEM in the Non-Profit World
Jr. Tech is a
Massachusetts based organization with a mission to "engage 4 –
12 grade students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
education." They support their mission by providing summer
workshops in STEM topics. Some of this summer's upcoming offerings
are: "Animation Creation" and "Simple Machines for Kids".
In
addition to these workshops Jr. Tech runs an annual Girls STEM Summit
for ladies in grades 8-12 who have an interest in pursuing STEM
degrees in college and careers in STEM fields.
Change the Equation is an organization who is working to
assure that all students are STEM literate. They collaborate with
schools and businesses to help implement STEM policies and programs.
Change the Equation's STEMworks site is an incredible
resources for STEM programs, from camps to educational workshops and
school outreach programs. Whether you are a educator or a parent
looking for programming for your child this resource is not to be
missed!
Science and Nature for Summer (and
beyond!)
Many organizations supporting the
sciences through school programs also have incredible programming for
families and summer camps for kids during the summer months.
Additionally, science museums and nature centers provide
opportunities you may not have at home or school- such as experiences up close to wildlife, access to experts, viewing of artifacts, etc.
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
(SLNSC) in Holderness, NH has been advancing
the understanding of ecology for almost 50 years. School field trips
and summer programs at this nature center as a child were influential
in fostering my love of ecology. Their intern program
set me on the path of science
education. Throughout the school year SLNSC provides wildlife and
ecology programming for local schools at schools and on-site. During
the summer the center is alive when visitors come to view wildlife on
the exhibit trail, enjoy educational lake cruises, participate in
week-long summer guided discoveries for kids and much, much more. It
is a must-visit location for summer fun and learning.
IslandWood on Bainbridge Island, WA
provides outdoor, environment and leadership programming for adults
and children through their many programs. Their Student Overnight Program
brings students from the Seattle area, many who might not have had
experiences in nature before, to the center for a magical learning
experience. Their graduate program educates those interested in
teaching and leading in environmental, education and community
fields, including myself! During the summer months, students can
participate in camps
including: "Claws, Paws and Jaws", "Nature Chefs".
"Soil Sleuths", "Pay it Forward" and "The
Hidden Forest".
The YMCA has been
supporting student leadership and outdoor fun and learning through
their summer camps for years. Many times these camps allow for
outdoor experiences for kids who may not find these opportunities
otherwise. To find a local Y camp in your area check out this link.
The Montshire Museum
in Norwich, VT is a hands-on science museum that also offers
educational programming for schools and professional development for
teachers.
Their internship programs foster growth in young teachers and those
who want to learn more about the inner workings of a museum. This is
another program I benefited from at the beginning of my career!
Throughout the summer the museum offers a variety of science inspired
summer camps such as "Aquatic Explorers", "Inventors
Workshop", and "Kinetic Art". Not to mention their
current featured science exhibits, Science in Soap, Air Play and
Prehistoric Menagerie.
If you garden or want to support school
and community gardening, then the National Gardening Association
(NGA) is something to get involved with. This
organization has awarded 10,000 youth gardening grants through their
programs that promote gardening, fighting childhood obesity, growing
a garden at every school, and more. Kids Gardening through NGA is a
fantastic resource for home gardens, particularly engaging children
in gardening and school gardens. Definitely worth checking out.
Several other New England based
organizations of note are: The Berkshire Museum,
Springfield Museums, CT Science Center and 2nd Chance Animal Center. Each offers school and camp programming
ranging from science and tech to animal care. This summer you might want to
check out the Berkshire Museum's camps in CSI, robotics, ponds etc. Springfield Museum's
youth courses or planetarium shows,
CT Science Center's "Frozen Science Fever" Disney-inspired event , or 2nd Chance's summer animal youth programs.
The list could go on and on. There are
so many excellent organizations that are propelling the study of
science and nature forward. These are just a few I am familiar with
and those in my area. What are some of your favorites in your area? Please share in the
comment section!
Resource List
No comments:
Post a Comment