Early science education sets the stage for lifelong learning, critical thinking, and future career paths.
But sadly, with shrinking school budgets and an increasing emphasis on English and math standards only, science education often gets pushed to the back burner.
The most recent available study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP 2015) ranks California’s 4th graders second to last in science proficiency, moving only to 3rd to last place by 8th grade. This failure to provide a basic foundation in science is especially detrimental to low-income students. NAEP data also reveals a 32-point performance gap for California’s low-income students. We can do better for our deserving youth.
To reach a new paradigm, we need your help.
We rely on the generosity of supporters like you to fund our mission. In an age when the U.S. government has abandoned the Paris Agreement and proposed a 33 percent cut to the EPA, it is up to local grassroots efforts like EV to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards.
For over 45 years, through school visits and field trips, Environmental Volunteers has reached over 370,000 Bay Area children. In 2017, the EV provided more than 12,000 K-8 educational experiences at 50 elementary schools. In addition, our EcoCenter, located in the Palo Alto Baylands, hosts environmental programs that reach nearly 4,000 visitors each year.
In order to give students consistent access to high-quality learning experiences that build environmental literacy, we need your support. Environmental Volunteers is a key link in the education ecosystem, providing both in- and out-of-the-classroom experiences that are best-in-class and updated to the latest curriculum standards.
We have some generous supporters who are making an enticing offer. From now until Dec 31, 2017, the first $40,000 donated will be matched dollar for dollar. This is an incredible time to double your impact.
Here’s what your tax-deductible donation can provide:
- For $10 a month, you can sponsor five students on a natural science field trip.
- For $41.50 a month, you can sponsor an entire classroom on a natural science trip.
- For $83 a month, you can sponsor both a classroom presentation and a field trip (this is what we recommend to each teacher in order to gain more depth).
- For $417 a month, you can sponsor every K-4 class in an average-sized elementary school.
- For $2,500 a month, you can sponsor every K-4 class in an average school district!
I invite you to get to know us. Come down to the EcoCenter. Shadow a field trip to see if you’d like to be a volunteer docent. But for now, I’d love your support. To donate, click here or click on the button located on the top right of the page. A recurring gift of $83 a month will go a long way to spark the next generation of environmental stewards.
Warm Regards,
Elliott Wright
Executive Director