6) News

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Sierra Nevada Journeys Receives $177,655 ARPA Grant for STEM Explorers Program

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Students learn about atmospheric pressure with rocket launch experiment

Three new schools will get to enjoy the many academic and social benefits of the STEM Explorers program thanks to a generous $177,655 American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) grant: Desert Skies Middle School, O’Brien - STEM Academy and Sparks Middle School.

The program will help fill an educational equity gap at the three schools in underserved areas and provide continuity of programming as students transition from middle school to high school. The STEM Explorers program has proved to increase science literacy and test scores across all subjects as youth engage in hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program also includes a social-emotional learning (SEL) component with activities that increase resiliency and belonging among peers and aids in self-awareness, mutual respect, collaboration, and mental well-being.

Students will also have the opportunity to attend the Overnight Outdoor Learning, science camp at the end of the school year where they experience nature first-hand while learning and growing emotionally and socially.

Sierra Nevada Journeys chose to bring the program to these three schools based on their demonstrated need, geographic location, engaged and interested leadership, and the schools’ capacity to expand resources. The Family Stability Collaborative conducted listening sessions held by Washoe County School District Parent University at each site. At all three schools, families, students, and teachers said they wanted after school opportunities – especially those that actively engage students in academic success and meaningful connections.

There is tremendous opportunity for the STEM Explorers program at the new sites to increase science literacy and bring quality educational and social learning experiences to neighborhoods experiencing barriers to access in terms of income, education, housing and medical insurance coverage.

We look forward to serving the youth at the schools and getting them excited about science, nature, and exploration!

Read more about the creation of STEM Explorers and its initial launch with Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows through BGCTM’s 21st Century Grant. Participating schools include Dilworth Middle School, Sparks High School and Hug High School.

Student study covalent bonds through tie dye

Sierra Nevada Journeys Connects Students to STEM Education: 2021 Community Report

Thousands of students connected to quality STEM education and hands-on field experiences through programs provided by outdoor education nonprofit Sierra Nevada Journeys in 2021, according to its recently released annual report.

Sierra Nevada Journeys, a 501(c)(3) organization that serves the Northern California and Northern Nevada regions, provides a range of science and leadership education opportunities for children and teens designed to meet state science standards and improve educational outcomes. Programs include classroom lessons that culminate into a field day at a nearby nature area; and an outdoor education camp at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola where youth explore ecosystems, chemistry, and biology while building critical thinking and collaboration skills.

“Sierra Nevada Journeys is committed to providing effective and memorable educational experiences to youth from underserved communities to ensure students from all backgrounds can receive STEM education; on average students receive less than three hours per week of science at the elementary school level,” says Sean Hill, CEO with Sierra Nevada Journeys. “Our programs have proven to increase test scores and provide strong educational outcomes for the students and schools who participate.”

Since 2020, Sierra Nevada Journeys has updated its programs to account for health and safety protocols. These changes have not deterred the organization from continuing to provide quality in-person and hybrid learning opportunities.

Sierra Nevada Journeys provided a positive impact on students in the Sacramento region in 2021 in a multitude of ways.

  • Through a collaboration with Black Youth Leadership Project and Square Root Academy, Sierra Nevada Journeys hosted a one-of-a-kind camp that focused on STEM, environmental education, leadership, and social justice principles. Hack the Woods Camp brought children and teens from the Sacramento area to Grizzly Creek Ranch for an exceptional experience thanks to a grant from the City of Sacramento Youth Development Office.

  • Launched ​​The Native Voices Project, a collaboration between Sierra Nevada Journeys, the Plumas County Office of Education, and the Mountain Maidu community in Plumas County. The project has developed new outdoor science learning experiences that incorporate the Maidu language and traditional ecological knowledge.

  • The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) Confluence Program partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys to serve 2,200 fifth-grade students through the Hands in the River program. The nonprofit also created a series of Virtual Classroom lessons that demonstrate “what happens after you flush in the wastewater treatment process.

  • About 7,500 students participated in Classrooms Unleashed, a multi-day, hands-on STEM program backwards designed from the Next Generation Science Standards. Students learn topics including ecosystems and environmental change, geologic change to the Earth’s crust, matter and engineering, plant biology, biomimicry, human impact and watershed health.

  • Launched Leadership on the Lawn, a social-emotional learning program that encourages empathy, communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

  • Schools participating in the program reported that a higher percentage of students – by 6 percent – met or exceeded the standardized science test scores compared to students at schools without Sierra Nevada Journey’s programming.

  • Partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows to provide after-school programming for Northern Nevada middle and high school students that focused on STEM exploration, social-emotional learning and outdoor experiences.

  • Through the support of donors, we were able to bring youth from Reno Housing Authority to Summer Camp and families came together and spent time outdoors at Family Camp.

  • Thanks to a grant awarded by Tesla, the third annual Girls in STEM Camp was held for young women from Nevada Title 1 schools. The STEM education camp included a star-studded lineup of industry guest speakers from across the region including experts from industries such as engineering, science research, hydrology, biomass, natural resource management, and conservation.

Sierra Nevada Journeys has plans to launch new education opportunities and initiatives, including a leadership camp for youth from underserved communities. This summer, the nonprofit will partner with area youth organizations to provide field trips where children explore local river ecosystems.

For more information on Sierra Nevada Journeys, check out its recently published annual report.

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Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Afterschool Program Gets Kids Loving STEM

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Each week students come together after school to explore the outdoors, learn about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) while building resiliency in Sierra Nevada Journeys’ STEM Explorers program.

STEM Explorers is intentionally designed to help children build academic success, become comfortable in nature, and grow their social and emotional development through facilitated leadership and collaboration-based lessons.

“We expand on what students are learning in science class and supplement it with similar hands-on activities during our afterschool programming. We help students grow their confidence and get them excited about science; they can see themselves going into STEM careers in the future,” said Audrey Bergmann, Afterschool Program Coordinator with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

A recent study by RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, recognized how programs provided outside of school hours help students improve their competency of STEM concepts and social-emotional learning (SEL). Students learn to manage their emotions and build positive, trusting relationships with their teachers and fellow students – all attributed to the benefits of SEL.1

In fall 2021, Sierra Nevada Journeys launched STEM Explorers by partnering with the Washoe County School District and the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadow (BGCTM). The program is made possible by BGCTM’s 21st Century Grant, which supports academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children. Three school sites were selected as the program’s home base: Dilworth Middle School; Sparks High School; and Hug High School. Sierra Nevada Journeys uses nature and the environment as our classroom. In addition to on-campus activities, a variety of nature areas, regional parks, learning centers and museums across the region are used to take the learning outdoors and provide hands-on experiences.

“We’ve taken students to Rosewood Nature Study area to learn about native and invasive species; students also participated in removing invasive plants. Next week we’re going to the University of Nevada Mackay School of Science and Engineering for tours of their labs,” Bergmann said.

“Recently, I learned many of our middle school aged STEM Explorers have never had the opportunity to visit The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. You tend to think of The Discovery for young children, but we applied the STEM theories as we interacted with the exhibits. They had a blast,” added Bergmann.

The curriculum flexes throughout the year based on student interests. For example, at STEM Explorers last year, students said they’d love to learn about photography. We now offer lessons examining light, cameras, and lenses – concluding with a cow eye dissection. By allowing students’ inquiry to guide lessons, Sierra Nevada Journeys’ instructors nurture passion, develop curiosity, and reinforce the importance of asking questions.

As recognized by the Afterschool Alliance in 2021 2, participants in sustained, afterschool STEM programs are more likely to become interested in STEM, grow understanding and proficiency, and see themselves involved in STEM enterprises.

Furthermore, STEM Explorers builds on these concepts through intentional SEL. Students participate in activities that increase resiliency and belonging among peers and aids in self-awareness, mutual respect, collaboration, and mental well-being.  According to an end-of-the year survey administered to students in STEM Explorers, the majority developed different ways to solve problems and “made friends who care about them.”

STEM Explorers serves a dual purpose of increasing proficiency in STEM subjects, driving an increased participation in the state’s booming STEM industries, while also supporting students’ emotional well-being and promoting connection to their peers. Sierra Nevada Journeys sees first-hand, and hears from teachers, that there is an acute need to incorporate activities that increase connectedness and belonging among students as they deal with the mental impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources:

1 Katie Tosh, Heather L. Schwartz and Catherine H. Augustine, “Strengthening Students’ Social and Emotional Skills Lessons from Six Case Studies of Schools and Out-of-School-Time Program Partners.” https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/Documents/strengthening-students-social-and-emotional-skills-vol2-pt1.pdf

2 “The America After 3PM special report, STEM Learning in Afterschool on the Rise, But Barriers and Inequities Exist,” Afterschool Alliance, p.4; http://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/AA3PM/AA3PM-STEM-Report-2021.pdf

About Sierra Nevada Journeys

Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom and virtual-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement. Of the 24,000 children that annually participate in our programs, 74 percent come from communities that face financial barriers and 70 percent are BIPOC, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Also, 13 percent of the individuals who attend our programs, are living with a disability.

Sierra Nevada Journeys to host Sacramento area students at Hack the Woods Camp

Sacramento-area teens, 13-17 years old, will learn STEM, leadership and life skills at Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Hack the Woods Camp in early November. 

The program combines STEM education, social justice sessions, and personal development to provide youth from underrepresented communities the opportunity to gain important skills for future success. 

Eligible participants are part of the Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP) and Square Root Academy (SRA), co-sponsors of the camp. A generous grant from the City of Sacramento Youth Development is covering the cost for the 600 participants over the project period. 

This past spring the three nonprofits collaboratively designed and delivered the first STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and Social Justice Camp experience; participants came from high priority communities in the City of Sacramento. The partnership is intended to meet the goals of each organization’s existing and ongoing programs while providing opportunities for safe outdoor recreation, teambuilding, and leadership for teens. Camps are led by mentors and educators trained jointly by the three organizations.

The overarching goals of the project are: 1) Strengthen youth development programming in Sacramento; 2) Foster academic success by providing impactful STEM and outdoor learning opportunities to low-income students; and 3) Promote youth empowerment by providing social justice and leadership training to youth from Sacramento’s high priority neighborhoods.

“We are excited to provide this program for these teens,” says Krissy McGill, Residential Director of Education, Sierra Nevada Journeys. “The combination of outdoor education, STEM lessons, and leadership insights gives the campers such a boost of confidence. It’s just amazing to see their sense of wonder as they explore ecosystems while learning teamwork and collaboration. They can sometimes come in guarded, but they leave with amazing confidence and enthusiasm.”

“Ten of us from BYLP attended last spring as mentors and it was a transformative experience not only for our students but for all of us. The shared experiences we had at camp continued long after leaving Sierra Nevada Journeys. At Hack the Woods, I facilitate the social justice workshops on advocacy and provide a safe space where the campers are seen and valued. It has been tremendously impactful and everything we do is done with intention. We lead with heart not head,” says Lorreen R. Pryor, President and CEO, BYLP.

“At Square Root Academy, we’re a nonprofit that brings STEM education to under resourced communities. Hack the Woods has been a particularly special opportunity for Sacramento students. Taking STEM concepts and learning to the great outdoors is an extraordinary experience for students. They’ve enjoyed new adventures and have challenged themselves to go beyond their comfort zone,” says Nicholas Haystings, Executive Director, Square Root Academy.

The camp takes place November 4-6, 2022, and April 14-16, 2023 at Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Grizzly Creek Ranch outdoor environmental education camp in Portola, California. Learn more about the curriculum planned for November.

For more information about this and other programs provided by Sierra Nevada Journeys, please contact Andy Stephens, Program Director, 530-832-1085. If you know of a teen that may be interested in attending this one-of-a-kind camp, please visit: bylp.org/hackthewoods or squarerootacademy.com/camphackthewoods for more information.

About Sierra Nevada Journeys

Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom and virtual-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement. Of the 24,000 children that annually participate in our programs, 74 percent come from communities that face financial barriers and 70 percent are BIPOC, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Also, 13 percent of the individuals who attend our programs, are living with a disability.

About Black Youth Leadership Project

BYLP was established in 1999 as a non-profit and nonpartisan educational organization dedicated to developing California's next generation of public policy leaders. Since its inception, BYLP has served more than 4,500 students and has helped make the Capitol and its Black staff more accessible to our youth and community. Through its programs, BYLP seeks to introduce more youth to the legislative process in an effort to connect the need for and an understanding of democracy and public service at an early age. Through accumulation of concepts, ideas and a greater understanding of the role of citizen and government, BYLP lifts youth closer toward platforms of academic achievement, career growth and leadership opportunities.

BYLP is committed to ensuring the youth have a voice at the table during all discussions had by officials — whether elected or sworn to protect and serve. We believe the youth are the leaders they have been waiting for and are committed to empowering the youth as they assume position and lead this moment to a movement.

About Square Root Academy

Square Root Academy is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating underrepresented youth on the fundamentals of STEAM while emphasizing collaborative learning, innovation, and academic excellence. This goal is executed under our three key pillars: community involvement, project based learning, and professional STEAM exposure. We expose Academy scholars to the growing field of STEAM at no cost, while promoting creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Earns Firewise Certification

Every year, wildfires burn across the United States, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Plumas County is surrounded by woodlands and wildfires and recently experienced the devastating impacts of the Dixie Fire, the second-largest in California’s history at 963,309 acres.

That’s why Sierra Nevada Journeys and the lower grizzly community became a Firewise Site of Excellence.

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise USA® program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent possible losses in the future. 

In order to receive designation as a Firewise Community, Sierra Nevada Journeys and neighboring homeowners completed a risk assessment of the Lower Grizzly Creek area. Together they developed an action plan to address the identified risks, areas of successful wildfire risk reduction and areas where improvements could be made. This effort earned Sierra Nevada Journeys and its neighbors the designation as a Firewise Community, demonstrating our commitment to protecting the community from wildfire. The designation also helps guide our future activities.

“Sierra Nevada Journeys strives to be a leader in environmental stewardship, and being named a Firewise Community is just another way we demonstrate our commitment to supporting our local ecosystems,” says Adam Yarnes, Camp Executive Director, Sierra Nevada Journeys. “We want children and others who use our facilities to feel safe and know that we are committed to taking all safeguards while protecting the environment.”

Yarnes says the preparation Sierra Nevada Journeys put into being named a Firewise Community can be shared with organizations who train at camp, including the Feather River College Environmental Studies program. The college sends students to the camp to practice hands-on forestry maintenance.

“Fire prevention and mitigation are key to maintaining forest health for future generations, and the students from places like Feather River College will benefit from seeing and learning first-hand how to protect woodland and wildland areas,” Yarnes says.

Some steps for preparing your buildings and land for wildfires include:

  • Vegetation management, limiting the amount of vegetation around building and ignition zones;

  • Trimming branches that overhang near buildings, thinning of trees and removal of plants that contain resins, oils and waxes;

  • Use gravel instead of flammable mulches;

  • Use fire resistive construction materials for roofs, decks and siding; and

  • Prepare for emergencies with clearly marked addresses, clearance around driveways and detailed evacuation plans.

To learn more about why fires start and how to stay safe, you can find educational information at nfpa.org.

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The Positive Impacts of Bringing Engaging Science Lessons to Dual Language Learning Programs

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Victorina teaches Our Amazing Earth to dual language learner in fourth grade at Las Palmas Elementary School.

According to a story on NPR, nearly 5 million students are Multilingual Language Learners. The article about the benefits of bilingual education, states that studies have found that “compared with English-only classrooms, dual-language students have somewhat higher test scores, better attendance and fewer behavioral problems. There is evidence that it also helps kids gain comfort with diversity and different cultures.”

Recently, Sierra Nevada Journeys brought its Classrooms Unleashed program to a couple of dual-immersion classrooms in the Sacramento area. With it, also came some rave reviews of the experience from teachers.

“Science has been a challenging subject to sell to students this year. Thank you for your amazing lesson! I think students were very touched to see you show up authentically as Venezuelan, Latina, and a scientist. They really enjoyed the lesson but you presenting the lesson also led to so much engagement from the students. We are so honored to have had you join us,” said Lynn Elisea Ayala, teacher with the Two-Way Bilingual Emersion class at Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School in Davis, California. Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School is part of the Davis Joint Unified School District and students who are part of their Two-Way Bilingual Immersion program students are biliterate by the end of sixth grade – they speak, read and write in both English and Spanish.

Venezuelan, Latina and scientist perfectly describes Victorina Arvelo, a core educator with Sierra Nevada Journeys. This past spring, Victorina taught watershed lessons in Spanish at Marguerite and Las Palmas, as part of Our Amazing Earth program where students become geologists and learn about patterns of change found on the earth's surface.

Las Palmas Elementary is part of the Twin Rivers Unified School District (TRUSD) and is one of two TRUSD schools that has a Dual-Immersion Program that also participated in our Classrooms Unleashed program.

Sierra Nevada Journeys has been partnering with TRUSD since 2017, where all fifth-grade students would attend outdoor school at Grizzly Creek Ranch. With the transition from distance learning to in-person learning as we transition out of the pandemic, Sierra Nevada Journeys has brought a variety of environmental education programs directly to the schools. “We’ve been working hard to meet the needs of the students and teachers,” said Sarah Barnes, Education Director with Sierra Nevada Journeys. “This past school year, we’ve shifted some of our focus to address learning loss, social-emotional learning and getting back to the core sciences lessons to help students be successful with the state science standards for their grade level.” Our Amazing Earth for their dual-immersion students is just one example of how we became creative with our programs with TRUSD.

There are similar positive impacts of dual language programs and environmental education programs like ours. Some examples include: helping students learn in new and effective ways; increased problem-solving skills, improved communication, and enhanced cultural awareness and diversity. By engaging students in a hands-on science lesson using Spanish language, students become more invested and the information is even more relevant to the students.

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Community and Youth Outdoor Education at The Nature Conservancy’s River Fork Ranch Preserve

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We’re partnering with The Nature Conservancy and River Wranglers who are doing boots-on-the-ground conservation at River Fork Ranch. Sierra Nevada Journeys has built three Family STEM Night station that connect the conservation work being done at the Ranch. We’re hosting two, Family STEM Nights at River Fork Ranch on June 9, 2022, and September 15, 2022. Events are free and run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at River Fork Ranch Preserve, 381 Genoa Lane, Minden, Nevada.

For Nevada Teachers: If you are looking for some environmental science lessons, there’s a series designed for fifth graders about the Carson River that we recommend. They’re part of our FREE Teacher Resources. Thanks to supporters like The Dream Tags Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, we are able to create content specifically tied to our region and ecosystem.

Visit Free Teacher Resources to find a series of lessoned designed using Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and focused on Northern Nevada and Northern California regions.

The lessons are one of the education components to a bigger initiative – a restoration project to improve the riparian vegetation habitat for Mule Deer and other wildlife at the 805-acres at The Nature Conservancy’s River Fork Ranch Preserve. It is located at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Carson River. This location is one of our field locations for programs we host in Carson City for students and families through Classrooms Unleashed and Family STEM Nights.

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An Incredible Lineup of Guest Speakers is Planned for Girls in STEM Camp 2022

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We’re gearing up for an incredible weekend with Girls in STEM Camp happening May 13-15, 2022. We have a powerhouse lineup of guest speakers from industries across the region. Take a look at this list of experts from across the regions who will be inspiring the next generation of female scientists:

  • Dr. Alison Murray is Biological Oceanographer and NASA Ocean Worlds & Europa Lander Co-Chair with Desert Research Institute.

  • Anne Heggli, is a Hydrologist and Snow Science & High Risk Weather expert at Desert Research Institute.

  • Jesse Mazar is an expert in ecologically grown produce and co-founder and co-director at the Lost Sierra Food Project.

  • Seena Drapala, Engineer and Storyteller will be sharing her robotics knowledge, President at Society of Women Engineers.

  • Dr. Vera Samburova is Director of Atmosphere Sciences, Graduate Program & Biomass Conversion at Desert Research Institute.

  • Dr. Kathleen Rodrigues, skilled Geoscientist and in Luminescence with Desert Research Institute.

  • Dr. Mary Cablk, expert and sharing information on Remote Sensing, K9 Detection, and Landscape Design and is from Desert Research Institute.

  • Kaitlin Constantine is an Engineer with Wood Rodgers and sharing her experience in Land Surveying and Engineering.

  • Cynthia Scholl is the Education Coordinator at UNR’s Museum of Natural History and cofounder of the nonprofit Nevada Bugs and Butterflies.

  • Avari Tawater-Tiedemann is Program Director Camp Fire Central Puget Sound. She is an expert on honey bees and teaching young adults survival skills..

  • Karen Weiss is the Outreach Coordinator at Friends of Nevada Wilderness and expert in resource conservation.

  • Shawnee Dunagan is an Engineer at Wood Rodgers and specializes in infrastructure design (think storm drains, streets, and sewers).

  • Patricia E Maloney, is a Researcher University of California and is a Plant Pathology expert.

  • Arielle Koshkin, Hydrologist at the University of Nevada, Hydrologic Science, knows a thing or two (actually a lot of things to be precise) about snow, water resources and mountain environments.

 

Thank you Tesla for making this happen for young women in Nevada through the Nevada K-12 Education Investment Fund.

About Sierra Nevada Journeys

Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom and virtual-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement. Of the 24,000 children that annually participate in our programs, 74 percent come from communities that face financial barriers and 70 percent are BIPOC, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Also, 13 percent of the individuals who attend our programs, are living with a disability.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Appoints Sean Hill as Incoming CEO

Sierra Nevada Journeys announced that Sean Hill has been appointed by the Board of Directors as the new CEO of the organization. As an experienced nonprofit leader, Hill will succeed outgoing CEO, Eaton Dunkelberger, and assume responsibilities on April 1, 2022.

After 10 years leading Sierra Nevada Journeys, Eaton Dunkelberger, has taken a new role as President and CEO with the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada. Hill and Dunkelberger have worked together for more than a decade creating an ideal transition for Sierra Nevada Journeys.

Sean Hill, CEO, Sierra Nevada Journeys

Hill has been with the organization for more than 12 years and leads fundraising and development. Originally joining the organization as a credentialed high school science teacher, he has played multiple roles at Sierra Nevada Journeys, including educator, coordinator, manager, fundraiser, and ultimately director and vice president.  Hill’s deep operational and program knowledge combined with his strong relationships with staff and the community provides a natural succession at CEO.  

“Sean has been growing Sierra Nevada Journeys’ fundraising and relationships with tremendous success. He’s a natural leader and integral part of the nonprofit’s success in the many roles he’s held since 2009,” says Dan Klaich, Board Chair, Sierra Nevada Journeys. “Sean is a natural fit to lead Sierra Nevada Journeys and inspires us all with innovation and foresight that the informal STEM education field is known for.”

Hill received a Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University, a Master of Science in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Colorado State University, a State of Nevada Teaching License in Secondary Biology, and a Wilderness First Responder through the Wilderness Medicine Institute (NOLS). He sits on the Advisory Council of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Science, as well as the Executive Advisory Board for the Nevada Teach program.  As a published author on STEM programs and evaluations, Hill is an advisor to many education and environmental agencies on a local and national level.

Sierra Nevada Journeys team joined by Janette Moynier with River City Bank, celebrate the purchase of Grizzly Creek Ranch at last fall’s celebration event. Thank you Eaton for your leadership and instrumental role in this key milestone in Sierra Nevada Journeys’ history. Left to right: Sean Hill, Eaton Dunkelberger, Janette Moynier, Adam Yarnes, Achini Bandara, Krissy McGill and Andy Stephens

About Sierra Nevada Journeys

Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom and virtual-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement. Of the 24,000 children that annually participate in our programs, 74 percent come from communities that face financial barriers and 70 percent are BIPOC, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Also, 13 percent of the individuals who attend our programs, are living with a disability.

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Sierra Nevada Journeys Recently Participated in the Creation of the Informal STEM Learning Environments Evaluation Guide

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The study was commissioned by the Nevada STEM Networks and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology.

“Our committee set out to create an evaluation guide to support informal STEM providers, like Sierra Nevada Journeys, to create or improve systems to evaluate programs and in turn, improve outcomes,” said Sean Hill, Vice President of Advancement with Sierra Nevada Journeys. “We wanted to support the improvement of statewide impacts through these programs over time, and I’m thrilled to share this report with other providers.” Hill participated on the Nevada STEM Advisory Council’s Informal STEM Learning Environments (ISLE) Subcommittee along with several other Nevada-based educational organizations.

“One of the critical features of this report is information for evaluating the cultural relevance of programs and organizations. Students in Nevada that have historically been denied access to high quality STEM programs deserve no less, added Hill.

At Sierra Nevada Journeys, pre- and post-assessment of participants is part of every program. Additionally, follow-up evaluations are conducted with teachers who are responsible for bringing the program to their students. Most recently, Sierra Nevada Journeys also conducted a community needs assessment to better understand where there were opportunities to improve elementary programming with youth who have the least access to high-quality STEM education, namely, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, English Language Learners, and students with intellectual and physical disabilities.  

You can find the entire evaluation guide here. Or, learn more about Nevada STEM Networks and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT). Also, OSIT has a number of reports covering a variety of STEM topics such as analysis of STEM occupations and top paying STEM jobs in Nevada.

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