Headwaters Science Institute

In today’s world, in which science jobs are being created faster than most other careers, it is important to engage students in the skills these jobs will require. Our programs consist of 50 percent low-income students and 40 percent minority students. Without Headwaters, those students may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue an inquiry-based, intensive approach to learning science. Seventy-seven percent of students say they learn something in our program that they would not have learned in their traditional classroom.

We aim to serve these populations by doing several things. We are committed to raising funds to provide totally free and/or reduced cost programs for the students that need our programs most. We also utilize high-level science educators and community partners who are capable of providing excellent science education that fosters curiosity in the natural world and in the sciences. The confidence our programs inspires gives these students more opportunities for a future career in the sciences.

By obtaining grant funding, utilizing the generous help of individuals, and partnering with key community organizations, schools, and educators, we are able to make programs possible which educate these underserved populations. Ninety percent of our funding goes directly to our science programs, with just 10 re-invested in fundraising efforts and staffing. Headwaters educates over 4,000 students per year, and works with more than 20 schools and over 30 teachers.