Our Impact in 2020

While 2020 has been a challenging year for the EV, we are proud to share our accomplishments that we were able to achieve despite many setbacks.

SERVICES PROVIDED

  • We delivered 251 high-engagement science education programs to 4,455 students attending underserved Bay Area elementary schools during the 2019-2020 academic year. This was achieved prior to the March 12 closing of schools. Our school science program serves an average of 7,500+ students during the full school year.
  • We funded 62 buses for 48 field trips for 2,970 students through our Field Trip Transportation Fund during the 2019-2020 academic year prior to schools closing on March 12. This program serves an average of 8,000+ students during the full school year.
  • Our newest environmental science program, Sprout Up, delivered classroom programs to 850 first and second-grade students attending Title 1 schools through March 2020, and Sprout Up Explores, a virtual online education program, served 4,000 students April 2020 through June 2020. 
  • We delivered science and nature education programs to 165 students in afterschool programs and in partnership with local camps.
  • Our Homeschool Science Program, consisting of 10 one-hour lessons and four half-day field trips, served 78 students in grades K-6. 
  • A total of 1,930 individuals joined us for a wide variety of community outreach events, such as educational programs, conservation talks, and nature journaling lessons, at our EcoCenter and in the surrounding Baylands habitat.
  • We partnered with Access Books to fundraise, source, sort, bundle and deliver more than 3,600 books to students in economically disadvantaged communities throughout the Bay Area. These books offer a fun way to learn about science and nature, improve their reading skills, and explore the world around us. 
  • Our dedicated team of 156 volunteers has built 3,400 face shields for local hospitals since the pandemic began in an effort to keep active and engaged until they are able to resume delivering our school programs to classrooms. 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • We formally acquired Sprout Up, an innovative classroom program that provides environmental science education for elementary students delivered by volunteer college student instructors, organized through college chapters. 
  • In early March, we held our first South Bay Wake Up to Nature fundraiser. A total of 73 people joined us for an hour of inspiring stories and learned how we achieve our mission. 
  • A new Teen Docent program was created to give local high school students an opportunity to share their passion for nature with others by volunteering with the EV. A total of 14 students signed up for a one-year commitment to participate in a variety of volunteer activities.
  • In April 2020, we were awarded a major grant from the Santa Clara Historic Grant Program to repair elements of our EcoCenter that are in dire need of restoration. This project will also promote the appreciation and recognition of this historic building.