Headwaters Science Institute

Understanding science and the skills involved in scientific research is critical in today’s world. And not only because science jobs are being created faster than most other careers. The ability to research, assess information, and use critical thinking skills to make decisions is absolutely necessary for many aspects of modern life and full civic engagement. In addition, an appreciation of the natural world, and understanding of the processes that shape it, prepares young people to be effective stewards of nature as we face life-altering climate challenges.    

Headwaters Science Institute’s programs are taught by high-level scientists who can provide excellent science education that fosters curiosity in the natural world and in the sciences. These scientists mentor kids through their research projects and make sure they understand the process of science through conducting research.    

Our program participants consist of 50 percent low-income students and 40 percent minority students. Without Headwaters, those students would likely not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue an inquiry-based, intensive approach to learning science. Headwaters educates over 4,000 students per year and works with more than 20 schools and over 30 teachers. Seventy-seven percent of students say they learn something in our program that they would not have learned in their traditional classroom.  

Headwaters aims to serve all populations with our educational programs. We are committed to raising funds to provide free or reduced cost programs for the students who have no other source of hands-on science education. We make this possible by seeking grant funding, utilizing the generous help of individuals, and partnering with key community organizations, schools, and educators. Ninety percent of our funding goes directly to our science programs, with just 10 percent re-invested in fundraising efforts and staffing.    

In order to raise the overall level of science education in schools and benefit students beyond those we can directly serve, we also focus on training the teachers we work with. We mentor them through the process of teaching science through actually doing science. In this way, every teacher we work with can go on to better impact all of their future students.