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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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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.

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