Honda Usa Foundation

NYTEF IS A 10-MONTH, PAID FELLOWSHIP DESIGNED TO EMPOWER YOUNG BIPOC LEADERS NATIONWIDE THROUGH IMMERSIVE EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOCUSED ON TRANSPORTATION EQUITY. FELLOWS EXPLORE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CHALLENGES IN BIPOC COMMUNITIES AND ENGAGE IN DIGITAL STORYTELLING, ADVOCACY, AND ACTION ALIGNED WITH THE SAFE SYSTEM APPROACH-PROMOTING SAFER ROADS, VEHICLES, SPEEDS, AND POST-CRASH CARE. PARTICIPANTS COMMIT AT LEAST 15 HOURS PER MONTH TO VIRTUAL COHORT SESSIONS, ONE-ON-ONE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS, AND MENTORSHIP. THE PROGRAM CULMINATES IN KEY INTERVENTIONS INFORMED BY COMMUNITY INPUT AND DATA, INCLUDING A COMPREHENSIVE ROADMAP FEATURING STEP-BY-STEP RESOURCES, CASE STUDIES, AND METHODOLOGIES FOR ENGAGING YOUTH IN TRANSPORTATION EQUITY AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

TARGETING ALABAMA AND OHIO, SIGHT SAVERS AMERICA (SSA) PROVIDE HIGH-TECH VISION EQUIPMENT AND INDIVIDUAL LOW VISION SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH SEVERE VISUAL IMPAIRMENT NOT CORRECTABLE WITH EYEGLASSES, CONTACT LENSES OR SURGERY. SSA CASE SPECIALISTS WORK WITH A NETWORK OF PARTNERS TO IDENTIFY CHILDREN WITH LOW VISION NEEDS, ARRANGE FOR PROFESSIONAL LOW VISION EVALUATIONS AND PROVIDE VISION AIDS SUCH AS AN EVM, MONOCULARS, DOME MAGNIFIERS OR BLIND AIDS, DISTRIBUTED THROUGH A LOW VISION CLINIC/HOME DELIVERY. THE CLINICS INCLUDE IN-DEPTH, ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING ON THE USE AND CARE OF THE CHILD'S NEW VISUAL AID EQUIPMENT, WITH SSA STAFF FOLLOWING UP WITH EACH FAMILY SERVED UNTIL THE CHILD REACHES THE AGE OF 19.

GSSGC'S 191-ACRE SKYLAND RANCH CAMP IN THE SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS IS USED AS A BACKDROP FOR INSPIRING K-12TH GRADE STUDENTS TO DISCOVER, CONNECT, AND TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. THE SKYLAND RANCH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM IS YEAR-ROUND AND AVAILABLE TO LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN AS WELL AS TRADITIONAL GIRL SCOUTS. PROGRAM FACILITATORS WORK ALONGSIDE EDUCATORS TO ENSURE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES ARE ALIGNED WITH THE NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS AND COLLABORATE TO CREATE CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS THAT TEACHERS CAN EXPAND UPON BACK IN THE CLASSROOM. SOME ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BUILDING SOLAR BATTERIES, STUDYING WEATHER STATIONS AND HYDROLOGY, UTILIZING EQUIPMENT TO FIND AND UNDERSTAND GROUNDWATER, AND EVEN A GAME FOCUSED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING ANIMAL ECOSYSTEMS.

YOUTH LIVING NEAR THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES FACE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES LIKE NOISE, TRAFFIC, AND POOR AIR AND WATER QUALITY, YET RARELY HAVE ACCESS TO CAREERS THAT ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS PROGRAM CREATES A PATHWAY TO WELL-PAYING CAREERS IN SCIENCE, RESEARCH, AND OCEAN CONSERVATION. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BEGIN BY DEVELOPING RESEARCH PROJECTS FROM HYPOTHESIS TO EXPERIMENTATION USING ADVANCED LAB EQUIPMENT. THEY PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS THROUGH SCIENTIFIC POSTERS AND TALKS AT AN AQUARIUM-HOSTED SYMPOSIUM AND HELP INTERPRET THEIR WORK TO VISITORS. AT THE NEXT LEVEL, COLLEGE STUDENTS SERVE AS PAID INTERNS ON CONSERVATION RESEARCH PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE WHITE ABALONE CAPTIVE BREEDING PROGRAM LED BY BODEGA MARINE LABS AT UC DAVIS AND FUNDED BY NOAA.

THE SKILLS ON WHEELS TRAINING PROGRAM WAS CREATED TO ADDRESS THE LACK OF STANDARDIZED TRAINING FOR CHILDREN IN INDIANA AND MICHIGAN WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS. THIS FIVE-WEEK PROGRAM EMPOWERS YOUNG WHEELCHAIR USERS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS BY BUILDING MOBILITY SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, AND COMMUNITY. PARTICIPANTS LEARN 33 ESSENTIAL WHEELCHAIR SKILLS THAT HELP THEM NAVIGATE REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES SUCH AS CITY CURBS, STEEP RAMPS, TIGHT CORNERS, AND INACCESSIBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTION IS SUPPORTED BY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENTS WHO ASSIST WITH TRAINING AND SAFETY, ENSURING A SECURE AND ENCOURAGING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. CAREGIVERS ALSO BENEFIT THROUGH NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES THAT FOSTER MUTUAL SUPPORT AND CONNECTION.

UNDER ITS ENERGY EFFICIENCIES AND SUSTAINABILITY BANNER, BROTHERHOOD CRUSADE LOOKS TO EMPOWER YOUTH TO LEAD THE CHARGE IN ESTABLISHING MORE ENVIRONMNTALLY-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS AND NEIGHBORHOODS. HIGH SCHOOL TEENS ARE ENLISTED TO SERVE AS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY YOUTH AMBASSADORS. AS PEER EDUCATORS, AMBASSADORS DEVELOP LEADERSHIP, CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AS THEY CONDUCT COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH; AND ADDRESS IDENTIFIED ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY (INCLUDING CLEAN ENERGY) AND WATER CONSERVATION IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS AND NEIGHBORHOODS.

MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE SUPPORTS APPROXIMATELY 160, PRE-K TO 5TH GRADE STUDENTS WITH VISION DISABILITIES (MANY OF WHOM HAVE ADDITIONAL OR COMPLEX MEDICAL NEEDS) BY FOSTERING INDEPENDENT MOBILITY, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND SOCIAL INCLUSION. THROUGH ORIENTATION & MOBILITY TRAINING, PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND ADAPTED SPORTS LIKE BLIND SOCCER, CHILDREN BUILD FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS FOR ACADEMIC AND LIFE SUCCESS. INSTRUCTION IS DELIVERED BY AN INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF CERTIFIED EDUCATORS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND TRAINED STAFF, WITH ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT AND ACCOMMODATIONS. USING TOOLS LIKE THE WHITE CANE, STUDENTS GAIN CONFIDENCE AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION IN CORE ACADEMICS, BRAILLE, TECHNOLOGY, ART, MUSIC, SENSORY INTEGRATION, AND MORE-ALONG WITH EXTENDED DAY SERVICES, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, WELLNESS CHECKS, AND DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION.

WITH A MISSION TO REDUCE PREVENTABLE INJURIES AMONG CHILDREN IN THE PEE DEE REGION, MCLEOD IS EXPANDING ITS OUTREACH TO ENHANCE SAFETY NOT ONLY ON SOUTH CAROLINA'S ROADS BUT ALSO ON ITS WATERWAYS. THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SAFETY EVENTS-INCLUDING CAR SEAT CHECKS AND BOATING SAFETY WORKSHOPS-RESIDENTS WILL LEARN ESSENTIAL SAFETY PRACTICES AND RECEIVE FREE SAFETY EQUIPMENT SUCH AS CAR SEATS, LIFE JACKETS, AND HELMETS FOR BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, AND ATVS. THESE RESOURCES ARE PROVIDED AT NO COST TO FAMILIES IN NEED. TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN LOCAL SAFETY EFFORTS, MCLEOD WILL ALSO OFFER CERTIFIED TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR CAR SEAT SAFETY TECHNICIANS, INCLUDING RECERTIFICATION FOR CURRENT PROFESSIONALS. ADDITIONALLY, MCLEOD WILL NOW HOST LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSES, EQUIPPING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS.

TRIANGLE BIKEWORKS (TBW) EMPOWERS YOUTH PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND ACADEMICALLY THROUGH A DYNAMIC, THREE-PRONGED APPROACH: ORGANIZED CYCLING, EDUCATION ON THE UNTOLD HISTORIES OF BIPOC COMMUNITIES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH A FOCUS ON ITS IMPACT ON BIPOC POPULATIONS. THROUGH AFTER-SCHOOL AND WEEKEND PROGRAMMING, STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING RIDES, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SESSIONS, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, AND TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITIES. YOUTH LEARN EXPERIENTIALLY ABOUT AIR, WATER, AND LAND CONSERVATION, WHILE EXPLORING HISTORIES THAT REFLECT THEIR CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS AND LIVED EXPERIENCES. EACH SEASON CULMINATES IN IMMERSIVE CYCLING TOURS - THREE-DAY RIDES IN THE SPRING AND FALL, AND A TWO-WEEK SUMMER JOURNEY - WHERE STUDENTS APPLY WHAT THEY'VE LEARNED, BUILD RESILIENCE, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY BONDS.

TREEPEOPLE LEADS UNDERREPRESENTED ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ON A SERIES OF MOUNTAIN-TO-OCEAN FIELD TRIPS TO EXPLORE WATERSHED CYCLES, ECOSYSTEM CONNECTIONS, AND NATURE-BASED CLIMATE SOLUTIONS. ALIGNED WITH THE NEXTGEN SCIENCE STANDARDS, THE CURRICULUM FOLLOWS WATERS JOURNEY FROM MOUNTAINS TO WETLANDS AND THE SEA, WITH EACH TRIP HIGHLIGHTING HOW TOPOGRAPHY INFLUENCES CLIMATE RESILIENCE, HABITAT RESTORATION, AND CONSERVATION. THROUGH FUN, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, STUDENTS BUILD LASTING CONNECTIONS TO THEIR LOCAL WATERSHEDS AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.

EACH YEAR, THE CHOC FOUNDATION OFFERS 25 PATIENTS, AGES 8-17, A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND A FIVE-DAY JUVENILE ARTHRITIS (JA) CAMP-AN EMPOWERING EXPERIENCE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS AND RELATED CONDITIONS. AT JA CAMP, FUN IS THE TOP PRIORITY. ACTIVITIES ARE THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE MOBILITY AND PROMOTE OVERALL WELLNESS, HELPING CAMPERS BUILD LASTING FRIENDSHIPS, BOOST SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND DEVELOP INDEPENDENCE IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDED BY PEERS AND MENTORS WHO TRULY UNDERSTAND LIFE WITH JA. IN ADDITION TO RECREATIONAL FUN, CAMPERS RECEIVE PRACTICAL GUIDANCE IN NUTRITION AND PAIN MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, EMPOWERING THEM TO BETTER MANAGE THEIR CONDITION AND THRIVE BEYOND CAMP.

SCHOOL GARDENS SERVE AS OUTDOOR LEARNING LABS TO CULTIVATE BUDDING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS. BUILDING ON SKILLS DEVELOPED DURING PLANTING SEEDS YEARS 1-2, EXPANDED WEEKLY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE 120 NEW 8TH-GRADERS, ADDRESSING MORE COMPLEX ISSUES OF CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY IN THEIR SCHOOL GARDEN AND COMMUNITY. THESE CITIZEN SCIENTISTS SERVE AS ON-CAMPUS MENTORS TO INCOMING 6TH-GRADERS, MANY OF WHOM HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED LEARNING IN A GARDEN. STUDENTS WILL ALSO LEAD THREE PROJECTS ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE COMPOST PROGRAM; PLANTING AN OZONE BIOINDICATOR GARDEN WHERE THEY WILL COLLECT AIR QUALITY DATA; AND PARTICIPATING IN THE GROWING BEYOND EARTH INITIATIVE CREATING FOR AGRICULTURE IN SPACE. IN ADDITION, STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE TO EXPERIMENT AND DEVELOP STEAM ACTIVITIES FOR GRADES PREK-2.

GRID ALTERNATIVES PARTNERS WITH YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS TO IDENTIFY AND ENGAGE AT-RISK OR OPPORTUNITY YOUTH AGES 18 TO 24 IN PAID INTERNSHIPS, BEGINNING WITH ITS 13-WEEK INSTALLATION BASICS TRAINING PROGRAM (IBT). THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, PARTICIPANTS GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN SOLAR INSTALLATION WHILE ATTENDING TRAINING SESSIONS IN REAL-WORLD WORK ENVIRONMENTS. USING GRID'S INNOVATIVE CLASSROOM ON THE ROOF MODEL, TRAINEES LEARN TO INSTALL SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS ON SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, AND NONPROFIT FACILITIES. IN ADDITION TO TECHNICAL SKILLS, PARTICIPANTS BECOME ADVOCATES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY, LEARNING HOW SOLAR POWER BENEFITS BOTH COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THESE PROJECTS OFFER PRACTICAL, ON-THE-JOB TRAINING THAT SERVE AS A PATHWAY TO HIGH-PAYING CAREERS IN THE SOLAR INDUSTRY.

DESIGNED TO INCREASE EQUITY IN THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY, THE GREEN DESIGN LAB IS A SERIES OF PROGRAMS SERVING K-12TH GRADE STUDENTS IN UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIES, SPARKING INTEREST IN SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPING GREEN WORKFORCE SKILLS. PROGRAM STREAMS INCLUDE: 1) NYC SOLAR SCHOOLS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NYC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, PROVIDES ENERGY AND SOLAR EDUCATION THROUGH LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES CENTERED ON RENEWABLE ENERGY; 2) SOLAR CTE OFFERS TRAINING TO CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) HIGH SCHOOLS FOCUSED ON HARD SKILLS ALIGNED WITH HIGH-DEMAND JOBS IN THE SOLAR INDUSTRY; 3) CAREERSTEP IS A 16-WEEK SUMMER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHICH INCLUDES ACADEMIC CREDITS AND PAID INTERNSHIPS; AND 4) CAREERCLUE, A HANDS-ON, 6-WEEK SUMMER COURSE OFFERING HARD SKILLS TRAINING, FIELD TRIPS, GUEST SPEAKERS, AND A CULMINATING PROJECT.

CAMP RISE ABOVE PROVIDES LIFE-CHANGING CAMP EXPERIENCES AND ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES, SERIOUS DIAGNOSIS AND OTHER LIFE CHALLENGES. CAMP CONSISTS OF A WEEK OF FUN, INDEPENDENCE AND FRIENDSHIP DOING ACTIVITIES THEY ARE OFTEN EXCLUDED FROM INCLUDING HORSEBACK RIDING, ARCHERY, PADDLE BOARDING AND MORE. CAMPERS EXPERIENCE TRUE BELONGING IN AN ENVIRONMENT BUILT SPECIFICALLY TO INCLUDE AND CELEBRATE THEM.

ALTASEA'S PROJECT BLUE IS AN EDUCATION INITIATIVE THAT LEVERAGES CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS-ESPECIALLY YOUTH OF COLOR-IN OCEAN SCIENCE AND LITERACY. STUDENTS IN ELEMENTARY THROUGH COLLEGE HAVE ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF OCEAN SCIENCE AND LITERACY PROGRAMS INCLUDING AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, WEBINARS, COMMUNITY LECTURES, AND INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE LEVELS. EXPERTS IN THE FIELD TEACH USING THE MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH AVAILABLE IN THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT GIVING STUDENTS UNIQUE ACCESS AND EXPOSURE TO UNDERWATER ROBOTICS AND TECHNOLOGY, WHILE INTRODUCING THEM TO VARIOUS CAREER OPTIONS IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE.

LEAPS AND BOUNDS ENGAGES YOUNG CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND DELAYS IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE AUTONOMY AND SCHOOL READINESS. THIS MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM INTEGRATES OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND SPEECH THERAPIES TO SUPPORT MOTOR SKILLS, COMMUNICATION, COGNITION, AND OVERALL HEALTH. MOMENTUM BUILDS ON THIS PROGRESS THROUGH CAMP ESCAPADES, AN INCLUSIVE SUMMER CAMP WHERE CHILDREN ROTATE THROUGH 30-MINUTE ACTIVITY MODULES SUCH AS ADAPTIVE SPORTS, ARTS AND CRAFTS TO ENHANCE FINE MOTOR SKILLS AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION, AND SENSORY AND COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES. CAMP ESCAPADES WILL ALSO BE OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR (DURING SPRING BREAK AND WINTER BREAK) TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT.

OPERATING AS A ONE STOP SOCIAL AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTER, FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER OF ETOWAH COUNTY (FSCOEC) PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE AND COORDINATED SERVICES ALLOWING FAMILIES TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES IN THEIR LIVES. NEW SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH THE IN (INCLUSIVE NEEDS) PROGRAM HELPS FILL A VOID IN THE COUNTY AND IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO REMOVE THE BARRIERS OFTEN FACED BY LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDE COVERING COSTS FOR DISABLED YOUTH TO ATTEND CAMP, PROVIDING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR YOUTH NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE, PLAY THERAPY AND COUNSELING SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION TO DOCTORS' APPOINTMENTS, AND HOSTING SEPARATE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS TRYING TO NAVIGATE THROUGH SIMILAR CHALLENGES.

STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF FROM NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY (NCAT) WILL PARTNER WITH 3RD GRADERS FROM A LOCAL HIGH-NEEDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO FOSTER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND STEWARDSHIP. THROUGH THE EASTSIDE SCIENTISTS PROGRAM, NCAT STUDENTS MODEL SUSTAINABLE HABITS AND LEAD HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS, ART PROJECTS, AND FIELD TRIPS TO NATIONAL FORESTS AND STATE PARKS. THE PROGRAM CULMINATES IN A STUDENT-LED ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE-SUCH AS CREATING AN ECO-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE, BUILDING PLAYGROUND STRUCTURES FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS, LAUNCHING A SCHOOL-WIDE RECYCLING CAMPAIGN, DESIGNING REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES, OR ORGANIZING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPS-THAT BENEFITS THE ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

ZOOSCHOOL IS A ONE-WEEK STEM-BASED EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM FOCUSED ON CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL INTERACTION-RELATED TOPICS. ANNUALLY, OVER 750 STUDENTS (7TH GRADERS) FROM TITLE I SCHOOLS IN THE BIRMINGHAM CITY SCHOOLS (BCS) DISTRICT ARE ENGAGED IN RELEVANT, HANDS-ON LESSONS THAT PROMOTES CURIOSITY, CRITICAL THINKING, AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS. THE CURRICULUM COVERS TOPICS SUCH AS WATER CONSERVATION, POPULATION DYNAMICS AND HUMAN IMPACT, ENERGY CYCLES IN ECOSYSTEMS, ANIMAL CARE IN A ZOO SETTING AND ZOO-RELATED CAREER OPTIONS STUDENTS MIGHT NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED. TEACHERS ALSO RECEIVE FREE ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES TO CONTINUE LEARNING IN THEIR CLASSROOMS

IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA, ACCESS TO SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION IS A HUGE BARRIER IN RURAL AREAS AS WELL AS MAJOR CITIES THAT LACK MASS PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS. THROUGH COLLABORATIONS WITH OVER 700 HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, KID ONE TRANSPORT SYSTEM PROVIDES TRANSPORTATION TO MEDICAL, DENTAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND EXPECTANT MOTHERS WHO ARE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED, BENEFITING THE HEALTH AND LIVES OF MARGINALIZED WOMEN AND CHILDREN. JUST THROUGH ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF ALABAMA ALONE, KID ONE PROVIDES NEARLY 7,000 TRANSPORTS ANNUALLY. CURRENT SERVICE AREAS INCLUDE NORTH, CENTRAL AND EAST ALABAMA, WITH DREAMS OF EXPANDING ITS REACH TO SERVE EVERY COUNTY WITHIN THE STATE.

THROUGH CAMP PHOENIX, KIDS AND TEENS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY, SPINA BIFIDA, MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY OR OTHER RELATED PHYSICAL DISABILITIES PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, WHILE BUILDING LEADERSHIP AND SELF-ADVOCACY SKILLS. PARTICIPANTS LEAVE THEIR FUN-FILLED, WEEK-LONG EXPERIENCE MORE CONFIDENT, INDEPENDENT, BETTER LEADERS AND WITH LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS. BLAZESPORTS ALSO WORKS TO INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVE PLAY AMONG PRESCHOOL-AGED YOUTH (2-8 YEARS) WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES. BLAZETOTS IMPROVES HEALTH THROUGH VARIOUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WHILE PROVIDING NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION TO FAMILIES THROUGH SUPPORTIVE TRAINING, ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT KITS AND CURRICULUM, IMPLEMENTATION GUIDES, AND MONTHLY SUPPORT FROM THE BLAZETOTS TEAM

AT CAMP COLE, YOUTH WITH ILLNESSES, DISABILITIES AND LIFE CHALLENGES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHINE. THE 40-ACRE CAMPUS SERVES AS A SAFE OASIS AND IDYLLIC HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME FOR CAMPERS OF ALL AGES. A CARING, WELL-TRAINED STAFF OF COUNSELORS AND PROGRAM LEADERS ARE ON HAND TO HELP CAMPERS ENJOY ENRICHING AND ENTERTAINING PROGRAMS WHILE REMAINING HEALTHY AND COMFORTABLE IN THE HANDS OF TOP-OF-THE-LINE MEDICAL CAREGIVERS. WHETHER ATTENDING A WEEKLONG OR WEEKEND OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE, CAMPERS ARE INSPIRED TO EXPLORE AN ARRAY OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS, GROWING IN INDEPENDENCE AND CONFIDENCE AND FORGING FRIENDSHIPS WITH OTHER CAMPERS WITH SIMILAR CHALLENGES AND CAPABILITIES.

WORKING TO ADDRESS HISTORICAL INEQUITIES IN ACCESS TO NATURE AND EDUCATION, GROUND EDUCATION SUPPORTS LOW-INCOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE LONG BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (LBUSD) THROUGH THE CREATION, CARE AND USE OF SCHOOL GARDENS. STUDENTS IN GRADE K-5 ARE ENGAGED IN DYNAMIC, HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES THOUGHTFULLY TAILORED TO EACH GRADE LEVEL, EXPANDING IN DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY AS STUDENTS GROW. MONTHLY LESSONS FOCUS ON SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, NUTRITION, AND SUSTAINABILITY-FOSTERING CURIOSITY, CREATIVITY AND A DEEPER CONNECTION TO THE NATURAL WORLD.

DESIGNED TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS STUDENTS, SAFG'S SEVEN-WEEK PROGRAM ENGAGES TK-6TH GRADE GIRLS FROM 22 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ACROSS THE SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY AREA IN DYNAMIC, HANDS-ON STEM LEARNING. HELD AFTER SCHOOL IN A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT, SESSIONS ARE LED BY FEMALE ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND LOCAL ROLE MODELS WHO SHARE THEIR PERSONAL JOURNEYS AND HELP STUDENTS CONNECT CLASSROOM LEARNING TO REAL-WORLD CAREERS. THE CURRICULUM IS STUDENT-CENTERED AND LOCALLY RELEVANT AND FOCUSES ON THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT; RENEWABLE VS. NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY; WASTE REDUCTION; WATER CONSERVATION AND THE IMPACT OF POLLUTION. THROUGH COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ACTIVITIES, GIRLS BUILD CONFIDENCE, CURIOSITY, AND A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING FOR HOW SCIENCE CAN BE USED TO PROTECT THE PLANET.

CAMP TWIN LAKES IS A TRANSFORMATIVE OASIS, ANNUALLY SERVING MORE THAN 10,000 CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS LIVING WITH OR EFFECTED BY SERIOUS PHYSICAL OR MENTAL ILLNESSES, DISABILITIES, AND OTHER LIFE CHALLENGES. ITS THREE CAMPSITES ARE FULLY ADAPTIVE AND MEDICALLY SUPPORTIVE, ALLOWING CHILDREN TO ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN FUN, INCLUSIVE, AND IMPACTFUL CAMP ACTIVITIES THEY WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE IN A TRADITIONAL CAMP SETTING. WHETHER SPENDING A WEEK AT CAMP DURING THE SUMMER OR A WEEKEND WITH THE FAMILY, PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE RISK AND TRY NEW THINGS LIKE KAYAKING, ZIP LINING, CLIMBING ROCK WALLS OR HORSEBACK RIDING - ALL WHILE FORGING CONNECTIONS, BUILDING CONFIDENCE, AND GAINING INDEPENDENCE.

TRIPS FOR KIDS BAY AREA (TFKBA) MOBILE BIKE WORKSHOP PROGRAM EMPOWERS YOUTH IN GRADES 4-5 WITH ESSENTIAL BIKE SAFETY AND RIDING SKILLS, DELIVERED DIRECTLY ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES OR AT COMMUNITY AFTER-SCHOOL SITES. THE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON YOUTH FROM UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIES, MANY OF WHOM ARE LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE FOR THE FIRST TIME. TFKBA PROVIDES ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT-INCLUDING BIKES, HELMETS, AND TOOLS-SO EVERY PARTICIPANT CAN FULLY ENGAGE. WEEKLY SESSIONS ARE INTERACTIVE AND FUN, COVERING THE BIKE COMPONENTS AND FUNCTIONS; BASIC BIKE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR; AND CORE SAFE RIDING TECHNIQUES. AS STUDENTS GAIN CONFIDENCE, LESSONS EXPAND TO INCLUDE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND ADVANCED SAFETY PRACTICES, SUCH AS: NAVIGATING VARIED RIDING CONDITIONS; MANEUVERING AROUND PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER MOVING VEHICLES; UNDERSTANDING TRAFFIC LAWS RELATED TO BIKING; MANAGING BIKING SPEED AND USING COMMUNICATION TOOLS TO STAY VISIBLE AND SAFE.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VOLUNTEER IN TEAMS OF FIVE TO TEACH 5TH GRADERS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS HOW TO MAKE INFORMED, ECO-FRIENDLY DIETARY CHOICES. OVER EIGHT WEEKLY CLASSROOM VISITS, THEY DELIVER ENGAGING, EVIDENCE-BASED LESSONS USING VISUALS, GAMES, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND GROUP WORK. THROUGH KIDS IN NUTRITION (KIN), STUDENTS RECEIVE INGREDIENTS AND CULTURALLY RELEVANT RECIPES TO COOK HEALTHY MEALS AT HOME, TAILORED TO DIETARY NEEDS. FAMILIES ALSO GET BILINGUAL RESOURCES-NEWSLETTERS, WORKSHEETS, CHALLENGES, AND ONLINE TOOLS TO SUPPORT CONTINUED LEARNING, ALONG WITH GUIDANCE ON ACCESSING AFFORDABLE FOOD AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SAFE KIDS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOSTS ANNUAL CAR SEAT CHECK SATURDAYS TO PROVIDE EDUCATION TO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS AND THE GENERAL COMMUNITY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF USING CHILD SAFETY CAR SEATS AND USING THEM CORRECTLY. THIS PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT FRESNO AND MADERA COUNTIES TO HAVE THEIR CURRENT CHILD SAFETY SEATS EXAMINED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND/OR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO RECEIVE A FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT FOR EACH CHILD IN NEED. EDUCATION AWARENESS IS PROVIDED BY NATIONALLY CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIANS, WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME TO LEND SUPPORT. VALLEY CHILDREN'S WILL ALSO OFFER CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN COURSES TO TRAIN ADDITIONAL CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIANS WITHIN THE VALLEY CHILDREN'S SYSTEM AND OTHER AGENCIES IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA.

GIRLS INC'S EUREKA! PROGRAM IMMERSES GIRLS DURING THEIR FORMATIVE YEARS LONG BEFORE THEY BEGIN TO LOSE INTEREST IN STEM. EUREKA! IS MADE UP OF THREE FOUR-DAY SPRING BREAK CAMPS, SERVING K-8TH GRADE GIRLS, AND TWO FOUR-DAY SUMMER CAMPS AND ONE FOUR-WEEK SUMMER CAMP SERVING 6TH-8TH GRADE GIRLS ON A LOCAL COLLEGE CAMPUS. THE PROGRAM IS THEME-BASED AND ALLOWS GIRLS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD AROUND THEM, THE NATURALS ELEMENTS AND HOW HUMAN IMPACTS AFFECT OUR PLANET. GIRLS LEARN ABOUT SUBJECTS SUCH AS WATER AND HOW IT CAN BE CONSERVED AND ABOUT WIND AND HOW IT IS USED TO CREATE POWER. EUREKA! ALSO INTRODUCES GIRLS TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING THROUGH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES TO INVESTIGATE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, INCLUDING THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT, DROUGHT, AIR POLLUTION IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS, AND THREATS TO MARINE ENVIRONMENTS. ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR GIRLS TO WORK BESIDE FEMALE STEM PROFESSIONALS WHO SERVE AS MENTORS.

THROUGH THE PREPARE AND PREVENT: CHILD TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM, FSCOEC PARTNERS WITH THE ETOWAH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SHOW CLIENTS HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL CAR SEATS. ATTENDEES ALSO RECEIVE LESSONS ON BIKE SAFETY AND TIPS ON PREVENTING INJURIES, WHILE HELMETS AND ELBOW PADS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. ADDITIONALLY, FSCOEC SEEKS TO PURCHASE SEAT BELT LABELS FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NON-VERBAL OR DISABLED. THESE LABELS ASSIST FIRST RESPONDERS IN GETTING THE PROPER CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES WHO HAVE BEEN HURT IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PARENT OR CAREGIVER IS UNAVAILABLE.

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS GEORGIA (SOGA) HAS BEEN ENGAGING CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN YEAR-ROUND SPORTS TRAINING AND ATHLETIC COMPETITION IN A VARIETY OF OLYMPIC-TYPE SPORTS. TODAY, THE PROGRAM USHERS IN OVER 26,620 ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN 26 DIFFERENT SPORTS IN MORE THAN 600 COMPETITIONS. SOGA'S APPROACH IS HOLISTIC, IN THAT IT INCREASES THE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ATHLETES, PLACING EMPHASIS ON HEALTH EDUCATION BY OFFERING A SERIES OF HEALTH SCREENINGS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE GAMES. ATHLETES BUILD CONFIDENCE AND A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE THROUGH PLAYING SPORTS AND CARRY THOSE CHARACTER TRAITS BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM, THE HOME, THE JOB, AND THE COMMUNITY.

UNDER ITS ENERGY EFFICIENCIES AND SUSTAINABILITY BANNER, BROTHERHOOD CRUSADE LOOKS TO EMPOWER YOUTH TO LEAD THE CHARGE IN ESTABLISHING MORE ENVIRONMNTALLY-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS AND NEIGHBORHOODS. HIGH SCHOOL TEENS ARE ENLISTED TO SERVE AS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY YOUTH AMBASSADORS. AS PEER EDUCATORS, AMBASSADORS DEVELOP LEADERSHIP, CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AS THEY CONDUCT COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH; AND ADDRESS IDENTIFIED ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY (INCLUDING CLEAN ENERGY) AND WATER CONSERVATION IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

UTILIZING 3D PRINTING IN CONJUNCTION WITH 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY, ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU) SEEKS TO CREATE PATIENT-SPECIFIC MOBILITY DEVICES INTEGRATED WITH CUSTOMIZABLE ORTHOTICS FOR CHILDREN WITH IMPAIRED MOBILITY. THIS INCLUDES CHILDREN WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS SUCH AS CEREBRAL PALSY, SPINA BIFIDA, AND MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY WHO OFTEN TIMES ALSO SUFFER FROM MULTIPLE MUSCULOSKELETAL DEFORMITIES SUCH AS SCOLIOSIS, HIP DYSPLASIA, FOOT DEFORMITIES OR DROP FOOT ETC., LEADING TO A HOST OF OTHER HIGHLY INDIVIDUALIZED SPECIAL NEEDS. THROUGH ACCESS TO THESE CUSTOMIZABLE AND AFFORDABLE BESPOKE ORTHO-MOTICS DEVICES, ASU LOOKS TO PROVIDE THE JOY OF MOBILITY TO THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, OPENING DOORS TO CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT, ACCESS TO EDUCATION, SOCIAL INTERACTION, AND PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS.

THROUGH HUNDREDS OF REFERRALS EACH MONTH, THE PRIORITY CENTER SERVES NEARLY 1,000 IMPOVERISHED, UNDER-RESOURCED FAMILIES IN ORANGE, RIVERSIDE, SAN BERNARDINO, LOS ANGELES, AND SAN DIEGO COUNTIES. ANNUALLY, OVER 8,000 MUCH NEEDED ITEMS ARE DELIVERED TO CREATE A SAFE, SECURE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. THESE ESSENTIALS INCLUDE FOOD, CLOTHING, DIAPERS, FORMULA, FURNITURE, CAR SEATS, CRIBS AND BEDS. THIS YEAR, THE PRIORITY CENTER LOOKS TO DISTRIBUTE CAR SEATS TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF YOUNG CHILDREN WHILE ON THE ROADS. IN ADDITION TO DISTRIBUTING THE CAR SEATS AND EDUCATION AWARENESS MATERIALS, CAR SEAT INSTALLATION EVENTS WILL BE HELD TO ENSURE FAMILIES UNDERSTAND HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL THEIR NEWLY ACQUIRED CAR SEATS.

DESIGNED TO INCREASE EQUITY IN THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY, THE GREEN DESIGN LAB IS A SERIES OF PROGRAMS SERVING K-12TH GRADE STUDENTS IN UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIES, SPARKING INTEREST IN SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPING GREEN WORKFORCE SKILLS. PROGRAM STREAMS INCLUDE: 1) NYC SOLAR SCHOOLS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NYC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, PROVIDES ENERGY AND SOLAR EDUCATION THROUGH LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES CENTERED ON RENEWABLE ENERGY; 2) SOLAR CTE OFFERS TRAINING TO CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) HIGH SCHOOLS FOCUSED ON HARD SKILLS ALIGNED WITH HIGH-DEMAND JOBS IN THE SOLAR INDUSTRY; 3) CAREERSTEP IS A 16-WEEK SUMMER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHICH INCLUDES ACADEMIC CREDITS AND PAID INTERNSHIPS; AND 4) CAREERCLUE, A HANDS-ON, 6-WEEK SUMMER COURSE OFFERING HARD SKILLS TRAINING, FIELD TRIPS, GUEST SPEAKERS, AND A CULMINATING PROJECT.

THE EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION PROVIDES YEAR-ROUND SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES ALL DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING, IMPROVE LIFE SKILLS, SUPPORT SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FOSTER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. DURING THE 8-WEEK SUMMER CAMP, YOUNG PARTICIPANTS' ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE, AGE-APPROPRIATE GROUPS WHERE EACH PARTICIPANTS INDIVIDUAL TALENTS, GOALS AND PERSONALITIES ARE ACKNOWLEDGED AND CELEBRATED. DAILY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SWIMMING, COOKING, SCIENCE, ART, ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, AND FIELD TRIPS. THESE EXPERIENCES BUILD UPON THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED IN THE SCHOOL SETTING AND HELP CLOSE THE GAP TO SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PREVALENT AMONG YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES.

THE ACADEMIC ADVOCACY PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO HELP CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AND MAINTAIN A SENSE OF NORMALCY DURING CANCER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY. AN ACADEMIC ADVOCACY COORDINATOR CONDUCTS COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC NEEDS ASSESSMENTS TO IDENTIFY PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS TO ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE; ASSESS PATIENT'S MOTIVATION AND LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE; GATHER ACADEMIC HISTORY; AND ENHANCE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PATIENT, SCHOOL AND HEALTHCARE TEAM REGARDING THE PATIENT'S EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL, WHEN POSSIBLE. THE COORDINATOR ALSO CONNECTS HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS TO SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP FUND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION ENDEAVORS AND PROVIDE BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO PATIENTS AND THEIR SIBLINGS FROM LOW SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS.

IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS AND NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, SAFETY CITY IS A SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGES 5, 6 AND 7. THIS ONE WEEK, 4-DAY SESSION FOCUSES HEAVILY ON TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY. STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY GET ON/OFF A SCHOOL BUS; SAFELY CROSS THE STREET AT A CROSS WALK; AND LEARN THE SAFEST WAY TO WALK TO SCHOOL/HOME ON ROUTES WITH AND WITHOUT SIDEWALK ACCESS. EVERY DAY THE STUDENTS ALSO SPEND TIME RIDING BIKES THROUGH SAFETY VILLAGE AN AREA WHERE THEY PRACTICE WHAT THEY'VE LEARNED AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH TRAFFIC SIGNS AND PATTERNS. UPON COMPLETION, EACH CHILD EARNS A CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND PARTICIPATE IN A GRADUATION CEREMONY.

THE CAR SEAT SAFETY AND STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME BICYCLE HELMET PROGRAMS ALLOW DAYTON CHILDREN'S TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO REDUCE INSTANCES OF INJURY TO CHILDREN IN TRANSPORTATION-RELATED CRASHES. DAYTON CHILDREN'S DISTRIBUTES CHILD SAFETY SEATS AND CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY EDUCATION THROUGHOUT ITS 20-COUNTY SERVICE AREA AND DURING ROUTINE CAR SEAT CHECKS HELD AT THE CONNOR CHILD HEALTH PAVILION AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. THESE CHECKS ARE LED BY SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIANS WHO HAVE EXTENSIVE TRAINING IN CAR SEATS, CARS, AND SEAT BELT SYSTEMS. FREE BIKE HELMETS AND EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION ARE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH LOCAL PARTNER FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS OR TO CHILDREN VISITING THE HOSPITALS EMERGENCY ROOM AS A RESULT OF A BIKE OR WHEELED SPORT INJURY.

GSSGCS 191-ACRE SKYLAND RANCH CAMP IN THE SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS IS USED AS A BACKDROP FOR INSPIRING K-12TH GRADE STUDENTS TO DISCOVER, CONNECT, AND TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. HANDS-ON, AGE-APPROPRIATE LESSONS FOCUS ON BIOMIMICRY, ENERGY, ELECTRICITY USAGE, WATER CONSERVATION AND PLANT FOREST MANAGEMENT. LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO HELP STUDENTS DISCOVER WHAT A SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE WOULD LOOK LIKE AND WHAT THEY CAN DO TO MAKE CHANGES IN THEIR WORLD TODAY. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES INCLUDE EXPLORING NATURE TO DETERMINE HOW NATURAL MATERIALS CAN BE UTILIZED TO SOLVE REAL-LIFE PROBLEMS, PARTAKING IN CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS THAT INCLUDE REAL-LIFE DATA COLLECTION, AND NETWORKING WITH PROFESSIONALS TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND INTEREST IN CAREERS IN THE ENVIRONMENT FIELD.

GROUNDED IN CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS, ALTASEA'S PROJECT BLUE EDUCATION PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY STUDENTS OF COLOR ABOUT CALIFORNIA'S GREATEST ASSET, THE OCEAN. STUDENTS IN ELEMENTARY THROUGH COLLEGE HAVE ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF OCEAN SCIENCE AND LITERACY PROGRAMS INCLUDING AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, WEBINARS, COMMUNITY LECTURES, AND INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE LEVELS. EXPERTS IN THE FIELD TEACH USING THE MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH AVAILABLE IN THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT GIVING STUDENTS UNIQUE ACCESS AND EXPOSURE TO UNDERWATER ROBOTICS AND TECHNOLOGY, WHILE INTRODUCING THEM TO VARIOUS CAREER OPTIONS IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE.

WITH THE AIM OF CREATING PATHWAYS TO GREEN ENERGY EMPLOYMENT, GRID ALTERNATIVES OFFERS FOUR SOLAR INDUSTRY TRAINING PROGRAMS: 1) INSTALLATION BASICS TRAINING (IBT) CERTIFICATE; 2) PAID INTERNSHIP; 3) SOLARCORPS FELLOWSHIP; AND 4) SOLAR FUTURES HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION TO UNDER-RESOURCED YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS LIVING IN THE INLAND EMPIRE. GRIDS NEWLY ESTABLISHED CLEAN TECH TRAINING CENTER (CTTC) ALSO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLE SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE. THROUGH THESE NO-COST WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, GAINING AN UNDERSTANDING OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, ENERGY-EFFICIENCY, GREEN ENERGY INDUSTRY TRENDS, RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, THE INSTALLATION PROCESS, AND CONSTRUCTION SAFETY PRACTICES IN PREPARATION TO FILL LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE GREEN ECONOMY JOBS.

BRIDGE II SPORTS USES THE POWER OF SPORTS TO IGNITE THE PLAYER WITHIN CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. THROUGH THEIR MOBILE, INTERACTIVE ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM EVERYBODYPLAYSNC, SUPPORTIVE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS GO INTO GREENSBORO SCHOOLS EQUIPPED WITH SPORTS WHEELCHAIRS AND OTHER ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO ENGAGE YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES TO PLAY A SPORT ALONGSIDE THEIR ABLE-BODIED PEERS. IN ADDITION TO PLAYING WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL, SITTING VOLLEYBALL, OR BOCCIA, STUDENTS RECEIVE LESSONS ON DISABILITY ETIQUETTE, SPORTSMANSHIP, AND WORKING AS A TEAM. THIS INCLUSIVE PLAY HELPS REDUCE BULLYING, CHANGE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT DISABILITIES, AND INCREASES CONFIDENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG ALL PLAYERS.

THROUGH THE MATE ROV COMPETITION, ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTS FLEX THEIR MATH, ELECTRONICS, ENGINEERING, AND PHYSICS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO DESIGN, BUILD AND TEST UNDERWATER ROBOTS TO COMPLETE SIMULATED REAL-WORLD MISSIONS. PARTICIPANTS PROGRESS THROUGH FIVE LEVELS RANGING FROM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED (EXPLORER, PIONEER, RANGER, NAVIGATOR AND SCOUT), THAT ARE BASED ON THE SOPHISTICATION OF THE SKILL AND NOT SO MUCH THE AGE GROUP. TEAMS OF STUDENTS ALSO ORGANIZE THEMSELVES INTO MOCK COMPANIES, DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS WHILE FOSTERING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION TO CREATE AND COMPETE WITH ROVS.

ELK YOUTH NATURALLY IS A SERIES OF PROGRAMS ALLOWING STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12 TO EXPLORE THEIR PASSIONS FOR SCIENCE AND THE OUTDOORS THROUGH SUPPORTIVE, TRANSFORMATIONAL, HANDS-ON MENTORING. PROGRAMMING INCLUDES: 1) SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS CORRELATED TO COLORADO ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND MODEL EFFECTIVE TEACHING; 2) STEM EDUCATION AND OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL FIELD ACTIVITIES PROMOTING CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP USING MOUNTAINS, URBAN PARKS, AND LOCAL MUSEUMS AS OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS; 3) CAREER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING FOCUSED ON CAREERS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE WHICH INCLUDES A WEEK-LONG LEADERSHIP TRAINING OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE, SUMMER EMPLOYMENT; AND JOB READINESS TRAINING. ELK ALSO EMPLOYS THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES (LEAF) PROGRAM TO HELP BUILD STRONG FAMILY BONDS AND STRENGTHEN THE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS THROUGH HEALTHY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES USING LOCAL PUBLIC LANDS.

THROUGH ITS PREMIER AND AWARD-WINNING SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMMING, DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS, SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM ANNUALLY REACHES AN AVERAGE OF 6,000 STUDENTS AND 350 TEACHERS FROM TITLE I SCHOOLS. AT NO COST, SELECTED TEACHERS ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEACHER WORKSHOP IN PREPARATION FOR INTRODUCING SCIENCE CONCEPTS (FROM ONE OF SEVEN AGE-APPROPRIATE THEMES) TO THEIR STUDENTS THROUGH THREE DISTINCT ACTIVITIES. NEXT, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ATTEND AN IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL AQUARIUM VISIT WHERE THEY PARTICIPATE IN HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES THAT REINFORCE CLASSROOM CONCEPTS LEARNED. IN THE FINAL PHASE OF THE PROGRAM, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS RETURN TO THEIR CLASSROOMS TO ENGAGE IN REFLECTION AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES USING STANDARDS-BASED CURRICULUM PROVIDED BY THE AQUARIUM.