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Sierra Nevada Journeys Brings Equity and Inclusion to Science Education

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Before COVID-19 upended our lives, Sierra Nevada Journeys had decided to take a close look at its science education programming and make improvements to ensure it is as equitable and inclusive as possible. Though the pandemic changed many plans, the education team at Sierra Nevada Journeys persisted in this effort, embarking on a revision informed by a community needs assessment in December of 2020. They interviewed and surveyed dozens of teachers, students, and community-based organization staff to determine how to best serve youth with the least access to hiqh-quality STEM education and outdoor experiences; namely, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, English Language Learners, and students with intellectual and physical disabilities. The findings were compiled and presented in this report, and results were used to revise its elementary programming, Classrooms Unleashed, including all of the grade-level designed programs: Nature’s Transformers (first grade); Genius Plants (second grade, CA); Matter Matters (second grade); Habits and Habitats (third grade); Our Amazing Earth (fourth grade); Hands-in-the-River (fifth grade); and Sculpting the Earth (sixth grade, CA).

The education team worked hard during the summer of 2021 to revise the program, and Sierra Nevada Journeys educators began piloting the improved curriculum in August, 2021. Important changes include the increased use of visual aids, language and vocabulary supports, including the incorporation of body motions when teaching key vocabulary, the featuring of relevant, local phenomena, and introducing youth to influential scientists of color. Early results indicate that the revisions were worth the effort. One teacher reported, “It really made them think about a topic they haven’t really thought much about. The kids loved it and learned so much!” The education team plans to review teacher program evaluations and student assessments from the pilot phase and make further revisions as necessary.

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you for your support of the Community Needs Assessment, curriculum development and delivery of Classrooms Unleashed to students: Sacramento Municipal Utility District -SMUD, Renown Health and Nevada STEM Networks.

Youth Outdoor Science Education Organization Sierra Nevada Journeys Expands STEM Enrichment Fund to Serve Four Nevada Counties With Donation from Google

$50,000 donation from tech company helps STEM and outdoor education organization to elementary schools in Northwest Nevada counties

Sierra Nevada Journeys focuses on delivering science education programs to youth in order to develop critical thinking skills, is expanding their STEM Enrichment Fund to offer programming to every elementary school in four Nevada counties thanks to a $50,000 donation from Google.

 “These programs are vital to connecting Nevada’s students with science and outdoor stewardship,” said Kate Franko, Google's Regional Head of Public Affairs. “We’re proud to support the work of Sierra Nevada Journeys. There’s nothing better to get kids excited about science and engineering than taking those lessons outdoors, no matter the grade level.”

 Sierra Nevada Journeys is offering scholarships to every elementary school in the following Nevada counties:

  • Storey County

  • Lyon County

  • Washoe County

  • Carson County

 

The education organization’s STEM Enrichment Fund supports scholarships for their benchmark Classrooms Unleashed and Family STEM Nights. Classrooms Unleashed is offered to 1st-6th grade students, combining classroom and field-based programming designed to meet grade-specific Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Family STEM Nights bring the whole family unit together via science activities to help students engage more with their school curriculum. These programs will be prioritized for students and schools with financial barriers to participation.

“We’re thrilled that Google’s supports STEM scholarships that will help students in Title 1 schools who have historically been denied access to high quality STEM programs and outdoor experiences,” said Sean Hill, Vice President of Advancement with Sierra Nevada Journeys. “On average, students receive less than three hours per week of science at the elementary school level. They’re also spending 15 times more on screens (phones, computers, tablets, etc.) than time spent outdoors; and that figure only increased this past year due to the pandemic. We look forward to turning this statistic around in Nevada.”

Google’s donation will be used for direct program expenses, as well as funding for more education personnel.

About Google in Nevada

In July 2019, Google broke ground on its first $600 million data center in Henderson, Nevada, with a second $600 million expansion following in 2020. In 2020 Google also announced a new $600 million investment in Storey County, bringing its total investment in Nevada to $1.8 billion. Once fully operational, all sites will employ people in a variety of fields including computer technicians, engineers, and various service, maintenance, and security roles.

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.

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Youth Outdoor Science Education Organization Sierra Nevada Journeys Expands STEM Enrichment Fund to Four Nevada Counties With Donation from Google

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$50,000 donation from tech company helps STEM and outdoor education organization to elementary schools in Northwest Nevada counties

RENO, Nev. (January 18, 2022) — Sierra Nevada Journeys (SNJ), a Northern Nevada-based organization focused on delivering science education programs to youth in order to develop critical thinking skills, is expanding their STEM Enrichment Fund to offer programming to every elementary school in four Nevada counties thanks to a $50,000 donation from Google.

“These programs are vital to connecting Nevada’s students with science and outdoor stewardship,” said Kate Franko, Google's Regional Head of Public Affairs. “We’re proud to support the work of Sierra Nevada Journeys. There’s nothing better to get kids excited about science and engineering than taking those lessons outdoors, no matter the grade level.”

Sierra Nevada Journeys is offering scholarships to every elementary school in the following Nevada counties:

  • Storey County

  • Lyon County

  • Washoe County

  • Carson County

The education organization’s STEM Enrichment Fund supports scholarships for their benchmark Classrooms Unleashed and Family STEM Nights. Classrooms Unleashed is offered to 1st-6th grade students, combining classroom and field-based programming designed to meet grade-specific Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Family STEM Nights bring the whole family unit together via science activities to help students engage more with their school curriculum. These programs will be prioritized for students and schools with financial barriers to participation.

“We’re thrilled that Google’s supports STEM scholarships that will help students in Title 1 schools who have historically been denied access to high quality STEM programs and outdoor experiences,” said Sean Hill, Vice President of Advancement with Sierra Nevada Journeys. “On average, students receive less than three hours per week of science at the elementary school level. They’re also spending 15 times more on screens (phones, computers, tablets, etc.) than time spent outdoors; and that figure only increased this past year due to the pandemic. We look forward to turning this statistic around in Nevada.”

Google’s donation will be used for direct program expenses, as well as funding for more education personnel. Learn more about Classrooms Unleashed.

About Google in Nevada

In July 2019, Google broke ground on its first $600 million data center in Henderson, Nevada, with a second $600 million expansion following in 2020. In 2020 Google also announced a new $600 million investment in Storey County, bringing its total investment in Nevada to $1.8 billion. Once fully operational, all sites will employ people in a variety of fields including computer technicians, engineers, and various service, maintenance, and security roles.

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.

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Connecting First-generation Students to Enriching Outdoor Environmental Education

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Since 2013, hundreds of students from Dean’s Future Scholars have been going to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Grizzly Creek Ranch for teambuilding, leadership training and social-emotional learning.

“We have proudly partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys to provide outdoor learning experiences for our middle school students to increase their exposure to STEM, our incoming college freshman to develop effective leadership and communication skills, and family camps that increase family engagement and emotional well-being. I have witnessed first-hand the transformative and positive effects that the overnight camp experience has on our Dean’s Future Scholars students, parents, siblings, and college student mentors who would otherwise not have access to this type of experience. No matter what our program need is, Sierra Nevada Journeys successfully delivers,” said Mariluz Garcia, PhD, Executive Director of the Dean's Future Scholars program and founder of the Nevada First-Gen Network. While wearing multiple hats, Mariluz dedicates her time to working with low-income, first-generation students. Additionally, Sierra Nevada Journeys has her guidance as one of its board of trustee members.

Dean’s Future Scholars is a pathway and mentorship program housed in the College of Education and Human Development with the goals of increasing the number of low-income, first-generation college students graduating from high school, of helping them gain access to higher education, and of giving them the opportunity to enter a career in the field of education. Students begin their journey with Dean’s Future Scholars in sixth grade. It is an ideal time for youth to find a sense of belonging, and Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Overnight Outdoor Learning program — a three-to-five-day outdoor school program taught by experiential educators — is designed specifically for youth at this age. The synergy of the partnership between Dean’s Future Scholars and Sierra Nevada Journeys creates the ideal setting for students, especially those who have come from Title 1 schools that face financial barriers to high-quality STEM programs.

Recently, Dean’s Future Scholars was featured in Nevada Today, University of Nevada, Reno’s official news and information site. The article highlighted SB461, which allows for federal American Rescue Plan funds of $725,000 annually over the next three years to be used for microgrants to other organizations that serve the same demographic profile of students as Dean’s Future Scholars to promote early intervention and access to mentorship, tutoring, academic opportunities, food, and technology. The Nevada First-Gen Network is a new umbrella organization that will work to connect first-generation practitioners and initiatives throughout the State of Nevada and highlight best practices like those delivered by Sierra Nevada Journeys.

“We’ve had many years of success collaborating with our partner Dean’s Future Scholars, and it is a great example of how two organizations can come together. Collaborations like this one provide students with opportunities that could positively impact their life path. Oftentimes, experiences like ours are the first time for many youth to go to camp, spend time in nature exploring while learning outdoor science along the way,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys. “We’re exposing students to STEM career possibilities that they might not otherwise experience. We’re thrilled that the Nevada legislature has allocated American Rescue Plan funds at a critical time with so many young adults negatively affected by COVID-19. This is an opportunity to impact lives and move forward with their future plans of heading to college.”

2021 Q.A.R.E. Awards Recipients

Honoring Excellence at Sierra Nevada Journeys

On November 14, 2021, Sierra Nevada Journeys celebrated its sixth annual Q.A.R.E. (Quality. Accountability. Respect. Unique Experiences.) awards honoring team members that exemplify our four core values. It has been exceptionally challenging times to deliver programs during the COVID-19 pandemic; the following six employees are recognized for their outstanding contributions. We thank you for your dedication and hard work.  

Left to right: Sarah Bruihler, Kaitlyn Langan, Eaton Dunkelberger, Alyssa Wagner, Travis Wilson, Juan Arriaga and Will McKie

Pictured: Sarah Bruihler and Eaton Dunkelberger

Quality: Sarah Bruihler, Lead Outdoor Program Instructor, Grizzly Creek Ranch

Sarah continually demonstrates our commitment to excellence and stepped up to lead a successful 2021 summer camp program. She thoughtful strive to improve all aspects of program and camp culture through positive actions. Sarah recently completed two seasons with Sierra Nevada Journeys and looks forward to 2022. She studied geology in college and enjoys sharing her knowledge with campers about all the different types of rock formations found throughout Grizzly Creek Ranch.

Pictured: Alyssa Wagner, Eaton Dunkelberger and Kaitlyn Langan

Accountability: Alyssa Wagner, Program Director, and Kaitlyn Langan, Core Educator, Reno

This mighty duo teaches students and leads Classrooms Unleashed programs in Northern Nevada.

Alyssa has been a superwoman this past year, juggling a hectic fall season, successfully hiring and training employees during a challenging year, and a handles a demanding teaching schedule – all while being a supportive manager to the Reno team.

Kaitlyn makes incredible connections with the students and shows up every day ready to deliver incredible programming. She volunteers for any outreach opportunities that come up and has been a valuable contributor to Virtual STEM Lesson at a time when distance learning was their only option to gain access to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ valuable STEM programming.

Pictured: Eaton Dunkelberger, Will McKie and the cutest little baby ever

Respect: Will McKie, Operations, Grizzly Creek Ranch

Will regularly checks in to see if there is anything else he can do to help beyond his normal day-to-day duties. He always works hard to build the feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing for all staff and guests. Because of his approachable and welcoming nature, Will easily bridges the gap between operations and program teams.

Pictured: Travis Wilson, Eaton Dunkelberger and Juan Arriaga

Experiences: Travis Wilson, Outdoor Program Instructor and Juan Arriaga, Outdoor Program Instructor, Grizzly Creek Ranch

When it comes to delivering unique experiences, these two OPIs knock it out of the park (or in our case, the camp).

Travis brings a thoughtful perspective on inclusion and equity that has positively impacted Sierra Nevada Journeys and our students. He goes above and beyond to share his wealth of experience with other instructors and leads by example. Travis recently led programming for the “Today I’m Brave Camp” and built memorable experiences for the youth who attended this unique experiential camp.

Juan has perfected the art of meeting his students where they are – placing the individual learner at the center of the learning process and build upon their strengths from there. He embraces each person’s uniqueness with a warm and welcoming approach. Recently, at the Today I’m Brave Camp and Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership (REGL) program, Juan immediately made strong connections with the teens through his honest, approachable and a consistent presence.

Here’s what we strive to achieve each and every day through our core values:

  1. We are committed to outstanding quality (Q)

    1. We strive to improve through rigorous evaluations of our actions.

    2. We flexibly embrace change that makes our programs and operations better.

    3. We celebrate actions that demonstrate our commitment to excellence.

  2. We are accountable (A)

    1. We do what we say we'll do for each other and for our stakeholders.

    2. At all levels of our team, we set, commit to, and reach specific goals.

  3. We respect each other and ourselves (R)

    1. We foster a respectful work environment by using supportive actions and words to positively impact our teammates and ensuring our co-workers do the same.

    2. We work to understand the goals and challenges of our team, participants, and donors, and integrate these considerations into our actions.

    3. We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and skills adds value to our organization.

  4. We provide unforgettable experiences (E)

    1. We keep participants' safety, education and experience at the forefront of our actions.

    2. We recognize the uniqueness of our experience for our participants, and show up each day ready to deliver.

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Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology Recommends Using American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Sierra Nevada Journeys' Programs

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Reno, Nev., November 8, 2021 – The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology recommends evidence-based programs like Sierra Nevada Journeys, to enhance STEM as a means for addressing inequity and learning loss among Nevada’s students.

When it comes to using American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Funds, funds by Local educational agencies (LEAs), the Governor’s Office selected key STEM education to strengthen post-pandemic learning for all students.

Here’s the full article by Nevada STEM Hub and their recommendations. For further questions about these recommendations, you can contact OSIT by emailing t.howard@gov.nv.gov.

Family STEM Nights are an educational evening for the entire family

One example of programming that can be implemented is Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Family STEM Nights. They are a fund and educational evening for the entire family. Experience the wonder of science and solve a variety of STEM challenges.

Sponsor a Career Connection

To learn more about having your company or organization directly engage with schools and families, contact Sean Hill, Vice President of Advancement with Sierra Nevada Journeys., 775.355.1688.

Family-Friendly Music for your Backyard Camping

Two playlists have been created on Spotify to get your groove on no matter where your adventure takes you.

With so many unpredictable changes happening throughout the West — air quality, fires, park closures, camping and travel plans canceled — perhaps you could use our SNJ summer camp music playlist for your backyard camping staycation.

Patrick, an Instructor at Sierra Nevada Journeys has created a Spotify playlist of his favorite camp dance songs to get you moving.

Here is a link to the playlist on Spotify for you to enjoy with the people you love: Sierra Nevada Journeys Camp Dance Playlist. You’ll five more than 50 songs and 3.5 hours of music.

He has also created a playlist of favorite songs to listen to while you hang out and chill. Whether you are sitting by the pool, going on a walk, or just having a relaxing Sunday at home, this playlist is perfect to just sit back and enjoy. Here is the link to the playlist on Spotify: Sierra Nevada Journeys Hangout Playlist.

More than 30 songs and 2 hours of music have been hand-picked by Patrick for your listening.

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A Visit to Galena Creek Recreation Area Can Improve Your Mood and You Might Even Learn a Little About Nature Along the Way

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Galena Creek Recreation Area in Reno, Nevada, is one of Sierra Nevada Journeys’ field sites for Classrooms Unleashed and the Our Amazing Earth series, which is designed for fourth grade students. The rugged terrain of boulders, mountains and forest make it the ideal location for students to take the lessons they learned — the different types of weathering, the effects of erosion and how the two natural processes work together to shape the earth – for firsthand exploration.

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“Galena Creek, was a bit more isolated compared to some of our other field sites and it sits at a higher elevation so be prepared for weather conditions; there could still be snow on the ground in early spring,” says Vardan Kirakosyan, outdoor instructor with Sierra Nevada Journeys. “It is enjoyable to have a quiet experience at Galena Creek as it lets me use more of my senses to connect with the forest around me. I recommend reading the signs at every trailhead; it often gives you such important information and is always worth the time even though we are all excited to get started with our hike,” added Vardan.

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Vardan suggested starting with the Visitor Center Interpretive Trail; it is a small loop (0.4 miles) near the parking lot because it is one of the most accessible trails. “I wanted to share an experience that everyone can do! The trail starts with a short walk that then approaches a small bridge. This is a great place to take a moment and stop to make some observations. All animals need water to survive so take a moment to use all your senses to observe. After crossing the bridge, you are faced with a choice, left or right. I prefer going right and experiencing the loop in that direction, but you will see the same things either way,” says Vardan. 

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He added, “You might notice that some of the birds are different from the ones you normally see in town. That’s because you are at a higher elevation and different species prefer different environments in which to live. I also saw that the squirrels were different, much smaller, and spent their time in the bushes instead of the trees. It is a good idea to compare the animals and plants you see here to the ones you normally see in the city to practice your observation skills.”

Angie Anavisca-Valles, Community Outreach Specialist, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, knows a thing or two about stress, but more importantly, about ways to reduce stress.  

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“At Anthem, we work with a variety of populations in supporting their health and wellbeing. This past year has been particularly hard some families, both physically and mentally. When we learned about Sierra Nevada Journeys, we wanted to support their programs,” says Anavisca-Valles. “Stress affects everyone and some of the best ways to manage stress is observing your body’s response to stress such as difficulty sleeping, feeling agitated or lack of energy. Sometimes little steps like getting regular exercise, exploring outdoors and observing the wonders of nature can make a difference.”

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At the end of your hike at Galena Creek, try to think about the different plants and animals you observed. Make it a goal to remember some of the characteristics of a new animals that you saw and then go and find the name of it by searching the internet or books at the library. Sierra Nevada Journeys’ educators encourage bringing along a journal on your hikes to write down the colors and shape of birds, plants and other wildlife that you saw on your hike. 

Nature journaling is one of the many tools used in Sierra Nevada Journeys’ style of teaching youth about environmental science. It starts with asking yourself a few basic thoughts when observing your surroundings: I notice, I wonder, and it reminds me of. From there, you can sketch pictures of what they see, write thoughts about your experiences and discoveries. Many find it as a meaningful way to learn and reduce stress.

We look forward to getting kids outside through student field trips. Contact Alyssa Wagner to book Classrooms Unleashed or a Family STEM Night program. 

Directions to Galena Creek Recreation Area:

Galena Creek Regional Area (south entrance) is located at 18250 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511. Learn more about Galena Creek. We encourage you to take a guided hike if you are not familiar with the area.   

Sierra Nevada Journeys' Classrooms Unleashed: Designed by credentialed teachers to be inquiry-driven, hands-on, student centered, and highly engaging. Our programs are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core. Program fees are based on a sliding scale to meet the needs of all schools. Classrooms Unleashed programs include in-class lessons taught by Sierra Nevada Journeys educators and classroom teachers, an outdoor science field study at a local nature site and extension lessons for teachers for before and after our program. We also administer pre- and post-assessments for your students. We work with teachers to meet their classroom’s individual needs.

Family STEM Nights: They are a fantastic way to bring families together for an evening of fun. Experience the wonder of science and solve a variety of STEM challenges. Family STEM Nights are a great way to build community and engage students and their families.

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Sierra Nevada Journeys Establishes Scholarship Fund To Support Underrepresented Youth in Honor of Long-time Board Member

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Carol Whiteside

Carol Whiteside

Sacramento, Calif., May 11, 2021 – On February 12, 2021, Sierra Nevada Journeys lost a valued member of its family with the passing of Carol Whiteside — an iconic role model and former Mayor of Modesto, California. In her honor, Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Board established the Carol Whiteside Scholarship Fund to send youth to camp. The fund will remove a critical access barrier, namely the entire cost for attending camp programs at Grizzly Creek Ranch located in Portola, California, for youth and families in Northern California.

“Carol was passionate about the role our organization plays in helping to provide access to the outdoors and quality educational programs to underrepresented and historically marginalized communities,” says Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO, Sierra Nevada Journeys. “Together, we can make tremendous impacts on families in our community through a safe and fun camp experience. Carol helped make this possible for so many kids and families.”

In 2010, Carol was appointed to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ board by Sierra Health Foundation— a private philanthropy that forges new paths to promote health, racial equity and racial justice across Northern California.

Grizzly Creek Ranch was originally built in 2003 by Sierra Health Foundation as a camp for youth with disabilities. In 2010, Sierra Health Foundation partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys to launch experiential education at Grizzly Creek Ranch. For the past 10 years, Sierra Nevada Journeys has been operating Grizzly Creek Ranch, bringing fifth and sixth graders to camp for outdoor school, and hosting a variety of community partners for leadership and youth development programs. With Carol’s help, in 2020 Sierra Nevada Journeys purchased the camp from the Sierra Health Foundation after a 3-year capital campaign, and continues to operate programming for the community.

Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Board of Trustees established this scholarship in Carol’s name with a $7,500 investment and with additional matching donations, 10 families attended Family Camp for some much-needed respite.

Carol served as a trustee for a remarkable 11 years with Sierra Nevada Journeys, an environmental education nonprofit that inspires youth to think critically and become stewards of our own natural resources. Sierra Nevada Journeys strives to provide educational equity and inclusion by focusing on underserved youth from Northern California and Northern Nevada. Its programs are delivered in communities that span the I-80 corridor, from Sacramento to Reno, including an outdoor school and other camp programs at its Grizzly Creek Ranch location.

“We all will miss her warmth, compassion, sharp wit and intellect as a leader in our community and in our organization. Carol had a clear vision for what Sierra Nevada Journeys could be and what it could mean to the youth and families of our community, and she worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. Carol’s life accomplishments were many, including serving as mayor, founder, board member, visionary, and advocate for lifting up those in need,” says Dunkelberger.

Two Sacramento area nonprofits, PRO Youth and Families and Sol Collective, had the opportunity to send families to Family Camp through the Carol Whiteside Scholarship.

“With the pandemic, youth and their families are facing unprecedented levels of isolation. At PRO Youth and Families, we inspire, educate, and mobilize young people — especially those who have experienced trauma — to build a healthier future for themselves, their families, and their communities. When we learned about Sierra Nevada Journeys and their Family Camps, I knew it is was the right partnership for us. Our participants that attended Family Camp experienced social emotional learning, relationship building and communication techniques, all while having fun outdoors as a family,” says Staci Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer at PRO Youth.

Executive Director Estella Sanchez of Sol Collective, says that it started as community-based partnership to bring together a wide variety of community-led programming and activist projects. “With the pandemic, we’ve had to temporarily close our center. Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Family Camps provided an opportunity for some of our families to safely be at camp and enjoy time together surrounded by nature. We truly appreciate the funders that brought this scholarship opportunity to our families,” says Sanchez.

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Learn more about Family Camp respite weekends. You can help support Sierra Nevada Journeys by booking a cabin for your family. Or, if you’re unable to attend Family Camp, you can help send other families this much-need respite by donating to Sierra Nevada Journeys. In fact, $25 supports a day of activities; $75 provides three days of meals for a camper; and $125 sends a child to camp.

Family Camp’s Positive Impact for Multi-Generational Families

“We had a total of five families from our Sol Collective community be able to participate in Family Camp. We had multi- generations including babies, toddlers, youth, teenagers, adults and grandparents. Personally, I just wanted to share that my mom came and she has mobility issues walking. The camp staff was very supportive in modifying activities in order to support her being able to participate and move around camp slowly, and comfortably. We were very thankful. It was a blessing to be able to participate and know my mom felt secure walking and getting around. We can’t thank you enough. We hope we can support more opportunities like this in the future. ”
— Nicole M., Sol Collective Member
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About Sol Collective
Established in 2005, Sol Collective is a community-based partnership whose mission is to provide artistic, cultural, and educational programming, promote social justice, and empower youth through art, activism, music, and media experience. Based in Sacramento, California, Sol Collective collaborates with global and local artists activists to host art exhibitions, community workshops, youth programming, and platforms for public organizing from coast to coast.

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About PRO Youth and Families
PRO Youth and Families confronts the trauma youth, families, and communities face by inspiring, educating, and mobilizing young people. They make a difference by keeping young people off the streets, out of prison, and away from alcohol, drugs and gangs by giving them meaningful and life-changing opportunities. We are committed to strengthening youth – and their families and communities — by developing neighborhood networks, identifying and addressing needs, and by providing training and other resources that will make that happen.

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One Foundation’s Vision Sparks Development of Two Teacher Training Programs – The Daugherty Science Internship and Nevada Teach Scholars Program

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The unique internship brings together a partnership between philanthropy, nonprofit and public education institution. The result: improved teaching techniques for future elementary education teachers and students in Northern Nevada.

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Reno, Nev., March 15, 2021 – The Daugherty Science Internship (DSI) and Nevada Teach Scholars Program (NTS) provide hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teaching experience for teachers-in-training from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). These opportunities are supported by a partnership between Sierra Nevada Journeys, the University of Nevada, Reno Colleges of Education and Science, and the Sandra A. Daugherty Foundation. 

"The DSI and NTS programs are an outstanding way to improve your teaching skills in a variety of settings," says Alyssa Wagner, the Reno program director at Sierra Nevada Journeys. "Because interns are able to practice in several schools while with Sierra Nevada Journeys, the experience increases familiarity and comfort teaching and planning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It also provides networking opportunities within the informal education community, as well as with teachers and principals in Washoe County School District (among other local districts), and is an overall fun experience."

Bob Daugherty, MD, retired Dean at the University of Nevada School of Medicine plays a pivotal role in creating these invaluable opportunities for university students. As the husband of Sandra A. Daugherty, MD, PhD, the foundation in honor of his late wife, The Sandra A. Daugherty Foundation, is paving the way for increasing the skills and expertise of educators in Northern Nevada. “My family’s roots run deep in working hard and giving back to our community; it is a joy to mentor students and see the positive impacts they are making with the next generation of scientists, physicians and educators,” says Dr. Bob Daugherty.  

Mariah Gustin is one of those recipients. Gustin recently graduated with a Master in Education from UNR. Last year, Gustin earned the Daugherty Science Internship and practiced her teaching skills at Sierra Nevada Journeys.  

“As a lover and strong believer in the inquiry process, I was fascinated by the methods used by Sierra Nevada Journeys. One thing that was amazing was the Family STEM Nights. The community involvement and interest were inspiring. To see so many people in our community actively involved in science despite the political and social climate surrounding science made our mission seem that much more important,” says Gustin. 

Another aspect of the teaching process that Gustin learned during her internship at Sierra Nevada Journeys was the 5E Instructional Model, an inquiry-based model of instruction, that includes five phases: engagement, exploration, explanation, extension, and evaluation.

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“I used universal teaching strategies so all of the students were engaged and excited to learn and that can be hard! Having designed science lessons during my course work at UNR and seeing Full Option Science System (a research-based science curriculum for grades K-8 developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley) implemented by Sierra Nevada Journeys’ educators, I had lessons that were so beautifully designed,” added Gustin. “To see the learning happen with Sierra Nevada Journeys’ students in such a small period of time was pretty incredible.” 

“I would absolutely recommend anyone lucky enough to be awarded the honor of participating in this program to take it. Science is fundamental to all learning. To be able to question, test, and be a critical consumer of information are important skills that are specifically taught throughout each lesson. And as climate change and other environmental issues increase, it is our job as educators to have the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to teach our students,” says Gustin. Her internship and hard work have paid off as Gustin is now teaching with the Washoe County School District.

If interested in applying for this internship, please email Alyssa Wagner at alyssaw@sierranevadajourneys.org.

LEARN MORE

View other internship opportunities.

About the Daugherty Science Internship:

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  • Stipend interns will participate in a blended student teaching experience which includes seven weeks at a traditional school placement and seven weeks teaching science with Sierra Nevada Journeys, all to take place during students' teaching semester.

  • Interns observe and teach 20+ NGSS-based elementary science lessons and outdoor field science programs to a wide range of students across 1st-6th grades under the direct supervision of Sierra Nevada Journeys director of education and College of Education mentors.

  • The DSI includes two weeks of training on science instruction with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

About the Nevada Teach Scholars:

  • Build your skills as an educator in this fun, paid role that includes 28 days (through 14 weeks) teaching hands-on and outdoor science with Sierra Nevada Journeys.

  • Observe and teach 20+ Next Generation Science Standards-based elementary science lessons and outdoor field science programs to a wide range of students across 1st through 6th grades under the direct supervision of Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Program Director.

  • Build highly sought-after science instruction skills and earn a $1,500 stipend.

  • Have the unique opportunity to teach not only in the classroom, but in the outdoor setting as a part of Sierra Nevada Journeys’ field studies.

  • Help classroom teachers in our region deliver outstanding science content to students in high-need schools.

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