“Their process seamlessly integrates STEM, individual skills development for youth, and community engagement. Participants gain essential skills they will be able to apply in any setting."
-- Janelle Johnson PhD, STEM Education professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Accomplished link
KIC-NET aims to reach at least 3,500 students in 60 schools by 2017.
To date, more than 1,200 students made 5,000 visits to 11 outdoor learning sites through KIC-NET. Through KIC-NET, students take classroom content around science and math standards and apply that knowledge to solve real-life environment issues in their community, deepening their understanding of STEM and STEM-related careers.
After using STEM tools to identify root causes of increased stormwater runoff, students planned and implemented 20 action projects, including hosting neighborhood water festivals, writing and distributing brochures on green infrastructure, and waging a media campaign to raise awareness and funds for dog waste clean-up along riverside trails.
Immediate opportunities in Denver and Albuquerque are available for volunteers to engage in water monitoring opportunities, in-the-classroom support around STEM careers, and project judging and logistical assistance at the annual Youth Summits. Earth Force is seeking to expand to three additional KIC-NET cities in 2015-16. Each new network of 5-10 schools requires $60,000 investment for two years of program implementation. Monetary commitments of $5,000 - $10,000 for annual Youth Summits are also needed.
Funders and PartnersDonny Roush, Director for Uncommon Collaboratives
droush@earthforce.org
303-870-4690
The programs in this database clear a high bar. STEMworks reviewed each program against the Design Principles for Effective STEM Philanthropy.
Identify and target a compelling and well-defined need.
Use rigorous evaluation to continuously measure and inform progress towards the compelling need identified.
Ensure work is sustainable.
Demonstrate replicability and scalability.
Create high impact partnerships
Ensure organizational capacity to achieve goals.
Offer challenging and relevant STEM content for the target audience
Incorporate and encourage STEM practices.
Inspire interest and engagement in STEM.
Identify and address the needs of under-represented groups.