The Friends of Ballona Wetlands has been around since 1978. They are dedicated to protecting the wetlands in Southern California. The organization works to preserve Los Angeles’ remaining coastal wetlands through conservation, community engagement and environmental education.

Each year, Friends of Ballona Wetlands celebrates Earth Day with its largest community restoration event. In a single day, more than 100 volunteers come together for a morning of restoration, community connection, and environmental stewardship. Local elected officials and their teams also participate, supporting the organization’s critical work. For those interested, registration for the event can be found .

“Earth Day serves as a time for reflection for our organization. The Friends of Ballona Wetlands was founded almost 50 years ago, and at this time we’ve had some incredible successes. From bringing the El Segundo Blue Butterfly back to Ballona to constructing the Ballona Freshwater Marsh with our partners/ We’ve taken action to improve Los Angeles’  last coastal wetlands for our native species. Earth Day is a time to reflect on all the incredible work our organization has done and recommit  ourselves to the future.”—Samaya Rubio, Manager of Communications and Community Engagement

The Nature Nexus Institute, located in Culver City, California, brings communities and nature together as they are essential to each other for survival. The organization created equitable, intergenerational pathways to cultivate meaningful relationships with the natural world. To that end, Nature Nexus Institute serves as a hub for science, culture, art and research, cultivating a new generation of changemakers and storytellers.

For the Nature Nexus Institute, Earth Day extends beyond this day. Through a series of programs and events, the organization invites community members to take part in the stewardship of urban parklands, effectively transforming  “Earth Day” into “Earth Quarter”.

“For our organization, Earth Day is an opportunity to connect with and welcome community members who may be new to stewardship activities, new to Los Angeles or new to engaging with the non-human residents of our city, including  plants and wildlife.”—Stacey Vigallon, Executive Director

For more than 40 years, this organization has been dedicated to advancing marine science education. Founded in 1979 by volunteers and local community members, it has grown into a leading teaching center committed to developing the next generation of leaders, advocates and marine scientists. Through its work, the organization fosters a deep understanding of and responsibility for protecting our ocean and natural environment, and have a profound sense of responsibility to care for it.“For us, Earth Day is a reminder of why our work matters. It represents a global moment of reflection and action—a chance to reconnect people with the natural world and highlight the responsibility we all share in protecting it.

“As an organization rooted in marine science education, Earth Day reinforces our commitment to helping people understand how interconnected our ecosystems are and how everyday choices impact the health of our oceans. It’s a celebration, but also a call to action to learn, care and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.”—Grace Adams, Executive Director

Read and learn more about the Society’s �鶹���� Action Grantees program here.

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Though this year’s cohort gathered in Washington, D.C., the competition’s first day of challenges whisked them away to the fictional town of Eureka Heights, where a high-stakes mystery awaited them. Led by (SFA), a �鶹���� �鶹���� Action Grantee with the mission of nurturing curiosity and collaboration through interactive workshops, the finalists stepped into the role of public health investigators.

SFA founder and executive director Jeanita Pritchett Clay set the stage: “We’ve got a problem. Something in Eureka Heights is making people sick. No one knows exactly why, but most people suspect it has something to do with the water.”

An introductory video played for the finalists like a news report, featuring interviews with Eureka Heights residents who described brown water coming from their taps as well as health issues ranging from skin irritation to gastrointestinal issues. The report concluded with a plea from the mayor: “We are looking for innovators and the brightest minds to help solve this crisis.”

The Junior Innovators set to the task. Equipped with water samples from homes, businesses and treatment plants across Eureka Heights, they set out to uncover possible sources of the problem. Thermo Fisher Scientific provided water quality testing equipment for the challenge, and their scientists were on the scene to show the finalists how to use the equipment. The finalists also had access to a trove of community data such as infrastructure maps, official memos and testimony from residents, helping them connect how social factors of the crisis intersect with environmental origins.

The six finalist teams adopted different strategies to pinpoint the possible sources and causes of the invisible menace threatening Eureka Heights.

The purple team focused on listening, zeroing in on residents’ comments and concerns to better understand the community’s challenges. Meanwhile, the orange team focused on geography, attempting to understand every variable of the landscape.

The gold team carefully considered how socioeconomic factors could be driving the public health crisis. With limited time to test all their samples, the green team made a point to be as meticulous as possible with each step of their analyses.

To address all the dimensions of the crisis, the silver team assigned its members roles such as forensic scientist, environmental justice organizer and public health advocate, with each taking the lead on an important aspect of the problem. Communication was key for the blue team. In addition to collaborating with each other during the challenge, they also catalogued their findings visually to effectively track, and later present, the full breadth of their results.

After completing their investigations, each team presented their findings to the judges in a town hall format. Sharing their process, conclusions and recommendations to reverse the crisis, the finalists ensured that solutions were in sight for the people of Eureka Heights.

Though each team presented independently, one common refrain emerged: if they had more time, they would have liked to collaborate with the other teams to combine their findings into even stronger recommendations. In this challenge, finalists discovered firsthand how collaboration can drive �鶹���� impact.

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Through the �鶹���� Action Grants program, the Society is driving meaningful change and growth—whether by expanding access to �鶹���� education, supporting rigorous scientific research and understanding or nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. The program aims to bolster and support mission-driven nonprofit organizations that are working to increase scientific understanding by expanding opportunities for their local communities to engage and participate in �鶹����.

From climate data activism on the Gulf Coast to robotics labs in rural Alabama, the 2025 cohort reflects the bold, expansive ways �鶹���� can shape lives and communities. Some are helping young people decode their world through mapping and environmental storytelling; others are turning classrooms into repair labs, drone flight zones or stages for personal stories of discovery. Incarcerated youth are gaining hands-on science experiences behind bars, while families and teachers join workshops that demystify AI and cybersecurity. Whether through civic engagement, creative expression or second chances, these programs equip learners not only with technical skills, but also with agency, voice and a sense of belonging in �鶹����.

Fifty-four organizations will receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each, and three organizations—who have received �鶹���� Action Grants previously—will receive capacity-building grants of $10,000 each: Girls Dream Code, Project Invent, and Treasure Coast Girls Coalition. Below, learn more about a few standout organizations from this year’s cohort:

Algalita Marine Research and Education (Long Beach, California)

Algalita is a pioneering environmental nonprofit with a 30-year legacy of protecting the planet and our oceans. The organization sparked global awareness of the plastic pollution problem when it first pointed out the vast accumulation of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean, now known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Today, through one of their many initiatives, Algalita brings young ocean stewards along the shores of Southern California, inspiring the next generation through immersive science experiences. With support from this year’s �鶹���� Action Grant, students will paddle through local waterways as part of their Kayak Explorers program—collecting plastic debris and analyzing their findings in Algalita’s new microplastics lab. For students unable to attend in person, the organization will distribute �鶹���� toolkits to classrooms across the region, bringing environmental science to life for an additional 12,000 learners. To date, the Society has awarded the organization $10,000 in support.

Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center (Greenville, Mississippi)

Rooted in the rich soil of the South, this nature-based learning center has reimagined education for the children and people of the Mississippi Delta. With a focus on community, ecology and hands-on science, the Center transforms outdoor spaces into vibrant classrooms where students and families engage in everything from weekly science workshops and after-school programs to agricultural initiatives and an 11-month �鶹���� workforce development course. Each year, the Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center reaches over 1,000 individuals across Washington County, encouraging children and adults to be creative and think critically. With this year’s grant, the Center will deepen its impact, helping more students on a path toward scientific discovery, and a deeper understanding of their place in the natural world. To date, the Society has provided $15,000 in total support.

Project Invent (National)

Project Invent is building a generation of compassionate problem solvers by empowering students to address real-world challenges through invention. Their yearlong program trains over 100 educators annually to deliver more than 100 hours of hands-on �鶹���� learning to 2,000 students nationwide. Through a dynamic curriculum that blends design thinking, engineering and entrepreneurship, students work alongside diverse industry mentors, partner with community members facing real challenges, and ultimately pitch their inventions at Demo Day for real-world funding. This year, Project Invent will receive a $10,000 capacity-building grant to expand educator training and scale their impact. To date, the Society has awarded Project Invent $24,000 in total support.

The Society received over 200 applications—72% from new organizations—with funding requests totaling more than three times the available amount. Twenty-three of the 2025 grantees have not previously received a grant from the Society. This increased interest underscores the expanding reach of the program and the growing demand for �鶹���� education support nationwide.

Since its launch in 2016, the �鶹���� Action Grants program has awarded a total of $1.42 million to 167 organizations, including those announced today. Through bold ideas and broad outreach, these organizations are helping expand access to �鶹���� and building a future where opportunity knows no bounds.

1. Algalita Marine Research and Education (Long Beach, California)
2. Art Technically (Cordova, Tennessee)
3. Aviation Youth Mentoring Program (Arlington, Virginia)
4. Ciencia Puerto Rico (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
5. Close the Gap Foundation (Cupertino, California)
6. Connect Key Foundation (Cypress, California)
7. Design Connect Create (Grand Prairie, Texas)
8. Develop for Good (San Francisco, California)
9. Dior Sunset Foundation (Long Beach, California)
10. Directed Initiatives for Youth (Excite All Stars) (New Orleans, Louisiana)
11. EARTHGANG Foundation, Corp (Atlanta, Georgia)
12. Equity Research Group, Inc. (Dunwoody, Georgia)
13. Forgotten Heroes Foundation (Chesapeake, Virginia)
14. Friends of Ballona Wetlands (Playa del Rey, California)
15. Gearbox Labs (South Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
16. Girls Dream Code (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
17. Impact NW (Portland, Oregon)
18. INSIGHTS Science Discovery (El Paso, Texas)
19. International Network of �鶹���� for the Blind and Low-Vision, Inc. (Columbus, Ohio)
20. Latinas in �鶹���� Foundation (Calabasas, California)
21. Learning Equipment Supply Service (Los Angeles, California)
22. Math Circles of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
23. Math N More Foundation, Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia)
24. Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC) (Westminster, Maryland)
25. Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center (Greenville, Mississippi)
26. Nature Nexus Institute (Culver City, California)
27. Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center, Inc. (Greensboro, North Carolina)
28. Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (Manhattan Beach, California)
29. ProFab Education (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
30. Project Invent (San Francisco, California)
31. PS Science (Inglewood, California)
32. Rise Up: Northeast Ohio (Cleveland, Ohio)
33. Roaring Cubs Collective (Brookline, Massachusetts)
34. SciAccess, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
35. Scientiae (Tallahassee, Florida)
36. SFA Foundation, Inc. (Beltsville, Maryland)
37. Shared Science (Long Beach, California)
38. SoundBio Lab (Seattle, Washington)
39. �鶹���� for Flathead Valley Schools (Kalispell, Montana)
40. �鶹���� on WHEELS (Saint Louis, Missouri)
41. �鶹���� SQUAD (Harvest, Alabama)
42. �鶹���� Unbarred (Washington, D.C.)
43. TechArts Empowerment Foundation, Inc. (Northridge, California)
44. The Code for Change (Largo, Maryland)
45. The Detroit Educational Takeover (Lathrup Village, Michigan)
46. The Princess Program �鶹���� (Upland, California)
47. The Story Collider (New York, New York)
48. Thinkatorium (Arlington, Texas)
49. Treasure Coast Girls Coalition (TCGC) (Sebastian, Florida)
50. trubel&co (Dover, Delaware)
51. Virtual Science Teachers (Chesapeake, Virginia)
52. Western Oregon University / Rainbow Dance Theatre (Monmouth, Oregon)
53. WOLF – Warrior Outdoor Leadership for the Future (Saint Petersburg, Florida)
54. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology (Bloomington, Indiana)
55. Youth Inspiration Nation Inc. (La Puente, California)
56. Youth Science Center (Hacienda Heights, California)
57. Youth Technology Corps (Chicago, Illinois)

Learn more about the 57 grantees receiving support through the 2025 �鶹���� Action Grants program here. This year’s funding is made possible through generous support from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Regeneron and Simons Foundation.

For further information please contact:

Aparna K. Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
�鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org | 781-375-8353

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This environmental nonprofit, based in Long Beach, California, aims to end plastic pollution. Their mission is to design and deliver educational experiences that help individuals understand the full scope of plastic pollution on the planet. With their �鶹���� Action Grant, Algalita was able to purchase vital supplies for their Kayak Explorers: Ocean Program. An initiative that gives middle and high school students the chance to experience Alamitos Bay through hands-on, place-based science.

“Our mission is rooted in connection: to place, to science and to possibility. We believe that meaningful environmental education begins when young people feel personally connected to the places where they live. Earth Day gives us a moment to pause, celebrate those connections and recommit to the work of empowering the next generation of ocean protectors,” said Executive Director Katie Allen.

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, this organization focuses on educating the public about environmental and habitat protection through coastal expeditions. Their programs range from dolphin kayaking tours and bird sanctuary safaris to shark tooth beach drop-offs, providing endless educational adventures. Notable impacts in 2024 include 2,105 protected Loggerhead nests, 10,511 students participating in environmental field trips, 28 veterans involved in the Coastal Warriors program, and five technicians and interns funded to support work with sea turtles and seabirds.

GrowGood is a nonprofit urban agricultural project located in Los Angeles. They are dedicated to changing lives by growing food locally, creating jobs and offering nature-based mindfulness programs. Their mission is to enrich the lives of those experiencing homelessness and housing instability, using the garden as a space for peace and healing. Annually, the organization facilitates nearly 2,000 hours of mindfulness-based ecotherapy classes. These nature-based mindfulness classes help individuals heal from the impacts of trauma, and help reduce depression, anxiety and anger. Through their Transitional Employment and Culinary Programs, they also provide job training opportunities at the farm. Their comprehensive wellness program, Food for Life, uses the farm as a catalyst for healing and holistic support.

Founded in 2020, this organization, located in Greenwood-Greenville, Mississippi, serves as a hub for people to come together to learn about and care for the Earth. It offers creative educational opportunities that focus on science, literacy, job training for youth and adults, food access, and community recreation for both locals and visitors.

“Having positive experiences in learning from an early age can go a long way towards lifelong success and the Mississippi Delta Nature Center is making an impact in this area for our students,” said Lawrence M. Hudson, Ph.D., Superintendent at Western Line School District.

Read and learn more about the Society’s �鶹���� Action Grantees program here.

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Three organizations—Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America, Full STEAM Forward, and Pink Space Theory—will each receive a $10,000 capacity-building award this year. This recognition celebrates the outstanding efforts and impactful initiatives of these nonprofits—all have been grantees for the past three years. The remaining 63 organizations will receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each.

This year, 34 organizations are returning grantees, having previously benefited from the program’s support. Since its launch in 2016, the �鶹���� Action Grants program has awarded a total of $1.15 million to 144 impactful organizations, including those announced today. Driven by a deep commitment to educational justice, this year’s cohort exemplifies a steadfast dedication to promoting diversity and empowerment within �鶹���� fields. Their initiatives are rooted in a powerful vision: to break down barriers and create pathways for historically underserved and marginalized communities to not only participate but to excel. Through inventive strategies and vast outreach, these organizations are paving the way for a future where �鶹���� opportunities are limitless and accessible to all.

“We are thrilled to award over $300,000 in �鶹���� Action Grants, the largest in the program’s history. These innovative community-based organizations’ commitment to inclusive �鶹���� education is inspiring, and their work will undoubtedly help shape a more equitable future for generations to come,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News.

This year’s collection of grantees is using imaginative approaches to make �鶹���� more relatable and accessible, with an emphasis on mentorship and representation. One organization is bringing �鶹���� to life through the vibrant world of comic books, where local professionals are transformed into superheroes. These stories encourage young minds, showing them that �鶹���� is a space for all, where they too can be the heroes of their own narratives and career journeys. Other initiatives are blending traditional mentorship with creative expression—whether through science fiction, dance or community-driven projects. These organizations are demonstrating that representation matters, and by connecting young learners with programs and mentors who share their backgrounds and passions, they are paving the way for a more inclusive future in �鶹����.

The following 66 organizations have been honored with �鶹���� Action Grants in 2024:

1. Algalita Marine Research and Education
2. ANGARI Foundation
3. APEL Education
4. Arlington Garden in Pasadena
5. Austin Youth River Watch
6. Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation
7. Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
8. Calculated Genius
9. Change The Tune
10. Ciencia Puerto Rico
11. Close the Gap
12. Coastal Expeditions Foundation
13. Code/Art
14. Cosplay for Science at the Alf Museum
15. Culturally Relevant Science, Inc.
16. Detroit Educational Takeover
17. Develop for Good
18. Engineer Factory
19. Excite All Stars
20. Expanding Your Horizons of San Diego
21. First Star
22. Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America
23. Forgotten Heroes Foundation
24. Full STEAM Forward
25. The GEMS Camp
26. Girls 4 Science – Saturday �鶹���� Academy
27. Girls Dream Code
28. GrowGood, Inc.
29. INTEGIRLS
30. International Network of �鶹���� for the Blind and Low-Vision
31. Knowing Neurons
32. Lazarus Educational Services Inc.
33. Math N’ More Foundation, Inc.
34. Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory
35. Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center
36. National Youth Science Academy
37. Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center
38. OpenWise Learning
39. An Open Book Foundation
40. Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research
41. Pink Space Theory
42. Project Invent
43. PS Science
44. Rainbow Dance Theatre at Western Oregon University
45. Red-Tailed Hawks – Black Pilots of America, Inc.
46. Rise Up: Northeast Ohio
47. Roaring Cubs Collective
48. SciAccess, Inc.
49. Scientiae
50. See3D, Inc.
51. SFA Foundation, Inc.
52. Shooting Stars Foundation
53. SoundBio Lab
54. STEAM Superheroes
55. �鶹���� for Flathead Valley Schools
56. �鶹����kofa Educational Solutions, Inc.
57. Stemsational Girls Club Foundation Inc.
58. Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering
59. Thinkatorium
60. Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, Inc.
61. trubel&co
62. Urban Scholar Academy
63. Victory Village INC
64. Virtual Science Teachers
65. YO �鶹����
66. Young �鶹���� Professionals

Learn more about the 66 awardees of the 2024 �鶹���� Action Grant program here. This year’s �鶹���� Action Grants are made possible through the generous support from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Regeneron and Simons Foundation

For further information please contact:

Aparna K. Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications, �鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org | 781-375-8353

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While these organizations are focused specifically on accessibility, through the �鶹���� Action Grants program, all 53 grantees were invited to participate in a webinar to learn more about programming focused on the topic. The webinar was led by , an accessibility and inclusion consultant with a background in accessibility in the performing arts who has recently also served as the accessibility coordinator for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. All 53 community-centric organizations selected through the �鶹���� Action Grants program received between $3,000 to $5,000 to help support their work.

in Columbus, Ohio, connects people from around the world who are blind or low-vision and have an interest in �鶹���� to the resources they need to succeed in fields of their choice. In addition to sharing resources, this organization develops and provides programming from �鶹���� camps to career training to help children and youth worldwide build the skills and knowledge base they need to succeed in �鶹���� fields. The organization received $4,000 through the �鶹���� Action Grants program and will use that money to develop �鶹���� curricula.

The in Norfolk, Virginia, is the largest botanical garden in the state and is home to the award-winning children’s garden, World of Wonders. This garden has educational opportunities for learners of all ages, with options to explore flora from across the globe, learn about edible plants, participate in scavenger hunts and much more. Norfolk Botanical Gardens realized that the World of Wonders needed to be more accessible for all and will be using their $4,000 grant to install raised garden beds to better meet the needs of visitors with disabilities. The garden aims to inspire young people to develop a passion for a future in green industries.  These improvements will inspire even more children to develop a deep and lasting passion for nature.

is an organization in Avon Park , Florida, which provides vocational and life skills training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspired by a lack of resources available to their son, Franklyn and Mary Ellen Ward founded Ridge Area Arc to offer education and training for disabled children in the area. What began as a day school which served 17 children now provides 10 services, including training programs in agriculture and �鶹����, to approximately 190 individuals from the region with developmental and other disabilities. Ridge Area Arc received $3,000 through the �鶹���� Action Grants program and will put this funding toward a soil science curriculum and equipment as part of their AG-�鶹���� training.

is an organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, dedicated to breaking down barriers to �鶹���� education and careers for individuals with disabilities. Their programming includes a �鶹���� mentorship for blind students, a research initiative advancing disability inclusion in space travel, and a professional networking group that shares best practices in making �鶹���� accessible to all. SciAccess is building a global community of learners and �鶹���� practitioners, and the $5,000 they received will cover the ASL interpreting and CART captioning needs for their events. Their 2024 Conference will bring together a diverse community of researchers, professionals, students, educators, employers, and disability rights advocates, who are working together to expand skills, knowledge and opportunities in �鶹���� fields for individuals with disabilities.

is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and uses 3D printing to connect the blind and sighted communities by bringing together volunteers to print and distribute 3D-printed models that aid blind students in their studies. The organization also aims to spread awareness of the importance of accessible materials and independent living skills for blind individuals. See3D was initially founded as a printing request service for blind students, their parents and teachers. However, the organization now focuses on helping others start their own 3D printing programs to create even more pathways for accessing these key learning materials. A two-year grantee, See3D will use the $5,000 grant they received through the �鶹���� Action Grants program to develop a more skilled volunteer base and purchase supplies.

(TKU) is a Brooklyn-based organization on a mission to use computer science and technology skills to change the lives of neurodiverse students. This nonprofit inspires young people with disabilities to come together in a supportive environment to create, develop and share tools that help them pursue a future in tech. By creating supporting and nurturing individualized environments, TKU aims to shift the paradigm for education and employment for neurodiverse students and address gaps in access. TKU has received its third consecutive award of $5,000 through the program, which will again support their Digital Agency, a learning program for teens and young adults. The program offers work-based learning opportunities which mimic a real work environment, with client-based projects that include logos, websites, videos and more.

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(West Palm Beach, Florida)

ANGARI Foundation is dedicated to cultivating a global community that is interested, knowledgeable and invested in marine and environmental sciences. The organization directly supports research initiatives and builds a platform to better connect scientists to the public. A $5,000 �鶹���� Action Grant supports ANGARI Foundation’s Coastal Ocean Explorers: , which immerses students and teachers in hands-on marine science. The program features expedition days aboard the R/V ANGARI, a 65-foot vessel that serves as an exceptional research and education platform for science at sea.

(Austin, Texas)

Austin Youth River Watch is a nonprofit organization that creates safe places for teenagers in the Austin, Texas area to learn about environmental science through hands-on experiences. In afterschool and summer programs, their students (known as River Watchers) collect and analyze water quality data, participate in environmental restoration projects, and embark on outdoor adventures. In its second year as a �鶹���� Action Grantee, the organization received a $5,000 grant to support its unique programs at the center of environmental education and youth development.

(Greenwood-Greenville, Mississippi)

Recognizing the transformative power of nature education, the Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center creates hands-on educational experiences for children and youth in the Mississippi Delta. The grassroots organization fosters creativity, critical thinking and job training for young people and adults alike and community regenerative agriculture focused on food that grows naturally in the region. A $5,000 �鶹���� Action Grant supports supplies for field trips and weekly STEAM activities for participants.

(Norfolk, Virginia)

As the largest botanical garden in Virginia, Norfolk Botanical Garden creates opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore natural environments across its 175-acres, which is filled with thousands of blooming flowers and plants, spanning both formal gardens and natural areas. A $4,000 �鶹���� Action Grant will allow the organization to install raised flower beds in its award-winning children’s adventure garden, World of Wonders, which will make the garden more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

(Portland, Oregon)

The Northwest Ecological Research Institute (NERI) is a nonprofit corporation, with the mission of organizing, funding, undertaking and publicly communicating ecological research across the Pacific Northwest. NERI actively promotes environmental stewardship and knowledge through educational programs, presentations and community events. Now in its third year as a �鶹���� Action Grant recipient, a $5,000 grant will support paid internships providing BIPOC students with mentorship, field biology experiences and the encouragement they need to pursue careers in biological sciences.

(Boston, Massachusetts)

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is committed to making Boston Harbor and its surrounding habitats more inclusive, equitable, diverse and accessible for everyone. Through programs including youth education and employment initiatives, to marine wildlife safaris, the organization is committed to both conserving and raising awareness of the habitats it serves. A $5,000 grant will help expand the Bivalve Quest and Marine Invaders Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC), two units that use citizen science to inform ecologists of the abundance of both native and invasive marine species in and around the Boston Harbor.

(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Venture Outdoors is dedicated to removing barriers and making the outdoors more accessible to everyone. By connecting youth to outdoor exploration of environmentally focused �鶹���� learning opportunities, Venture Outdoors aims to build a community of environmental champions who work to protect their local green spaces. Thanks in part to previous �鶹���� Action Grant funding, the organization’s Outdoor Learning Lab youth programs have expanded to include more environmental �鶹���� lessons. Its most recent �鶹���� Action Grant of $5,000 will connect an even greater number of young people to these opportunities.

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This year, three organizations—Be Loud Studios, Girls Link Up, and Women’s Audio Mission—are being granted $10,000 capacity-building awards. These organizations were previously selected as grantees and were chosen based on their history of programmatic success, their unique audiences and the diversity of their leadership. These accolades underscore the commendable strides and outstanding initiatives assumed by these nonprofits. The remaining 50 organizations will receive grants varying from $2,500 to $5,000.

Guided by a strong commitment to equity, this year’s recipients serves as a shining example of unwavering dedication to fostering diversity and empowerment in �鶹����. At the heart of their initiatives lies a profound mission: to dismantle barriers and ensure that historically underserved and marginalized communities are not only included, but that they thrive. Through innovative approaches and impactful outreach endeavors, they are actively shaping a future where opportunities in �鶹���� knows no bounds.

“Congratulations to our 53 �鶹���� Action Grantee partners! This year, we are giving $245,000, the largest grant amount ever awarded in this program. Their exemplary efforts to provide innovative and inclusive �鶹���� programming is inspiring. They are undoubtedly shaping a brighter future for generations to come,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News.

For instance, a few organizations this year are dedicated to making �鶹���� accessible to individuals through recognizing the importance of role models and representation. One group is providing �鶹���� education to low-income and rural K-12 students while another has young children in shelters, hospitals and advocacy centers design and create teddy bears dressed as scientists to help them understand that they too can be a scientist.  A third group holds �鶹���� role model sessions, which profiles real women in �鶹����, providing young girls with clear examples of careers that are both tangible and exciting.

Additionally, a collection of organizations in this cohort are dedicated to promoting coding skills for diverse groups, such as young BIPOC women and inner city youth. For instance, one organization is focused on teaching coding and software development through collaborative work on web and mobile app projects. In a similar vein, another initiative is addressing the lack of representation and access to opportunities in the tech field by teaching coding skills and celebrating diverse cultural expressions through dance. These efforts highlight the importance of coding in fostering inclusion and empowerment within �鶹����. By offering coding education and experiences, they aim to equip participants with valuable skills that open doors to numerous career opportunities, contributing to the cultivation of a diverse and skilled workforce that can thrive in the digital age.

The following 53 organizations have been honored with �鶹���� Action Grants in 2023:

1. ANGARI Foundation
2. Art Technically
3. Austin Youth River Watch
4. Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, Inc.
5. Be Loud Studios
6. Beta Builders
7. Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
8. R.E.S.T.
9. Calculated Genius
10. CodeArt, Inc.
11. Culturally Relevant Science, Inc.
12. Design Connect Create
13. The Detroit Educational Takeover
14. Develop for Good
15. ECHO, Leahy Center Lake Champlain
16. EmpowHERto
17. Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America
18. Full STEAM Forward, Inc.
19. Girls Dream Code
20. Girls Link Up
21. Hawaii Science and Technology Museum
22. Impact NW’s AKA Science program
23. International Network of �鶹���� for the Blind and Low-Vision
24. March for Science NYC
25. Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center
26. National Youth Science Academy (formerly NYSF)
27. Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center
28. Norfolk Botanical Garden, Inc.
29. NW Ecological Research Institute
30. ‘Ohana Kilo Hōkū
31. An Open Book Foundation
32. Pink Space Theory
33. Project Invent
34. Rainbow Dance Theatre / WOU Foundation
35. Ridge Area Arc
36. Rosie Riveters
37. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay
38. SciAccess, Inc.
39. Scientiae
40. See3D, Inc.
41. Shooting Stars Foundation
42. SoundBio Lab
43. STE(A)M Truck
44. TEACH
45. Tech Kids Unlimited
46. Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering; TAME
47. The Story Collider
48. Treasure Coast Girls Coalition Inc
49. trubel&co
50. Urban Scholar Academy
51. Venture Outdoors
52. Women’s Audio Mission
53. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology

Twenty-three of the organizations on this year’s list previously received support through the program. Since 2016, (including this announcement), the �鶹���� Action Grant program has given $828,500 to a total of 113 organizations.

Learn more about the 53 awardees of the 2023 �鶹���� Action Grant program here.

Funding for this year’s �鶹���� Action Grants program comes from Regeneron and Science Sandbox, an initiative of the Simons Foundation.

 

About �鶹����

�鶹���� is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, �鶹���� is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in �鶹����. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, �鶹���� is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at new.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact:
Aparna Paul
Director of Communications, �鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

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In addition to these awards, four special Presidential Awards totaling $10,000 will be given to four emeriti �鶹���� Action Grantees: Black Girls Dive, Electric Girls, Kul Wicasa Wopasi (Lower Brule) and Safe Alternative Foundation for Education (SAFE); these distinguished awards are in recognition of the growth and exemplary work these nonprofits are doing to make �鶹���� education accessible to all.

With a keen lens on equity, this year’s class of grantees represents one that is fiercely committed to diversity and mobility in �鶹���� — they are ensuring that underserved and marginalized communities have opportunities using a variety of approaches and outreach efforts. For instance, a few organizations this year are dedicated to making �鶹���� accessible to individuals with disabilities. One is creating resources and teaching �鶹���� to visually impaired persons while another is developing devices for amputees, aiming to increase the accessibility of prosthetic devices.

Other grantees this year are designing experiences so students can see �鶹���� in action and explore new career possibilities through hands-on learning. By bringing students aboard a vessel with shark scientists, one group is exposing them to marine and environmental sciences and conservation. Another is focused on raising the next generation of climate leaders who will address the perils of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities and beyond.

Additionally, a collection of organizations is helping students to become strong communicators. Through arts, radio and digital media production, the goal is to attract students of all backgrounds to science, technology and communications. Students are working with science journalism mentors who are helping them to build strong science communication skills via reading about the latest science research and communicating that research clearly for the public’s understanding. A few other organizations are focused on helping students to build technical knowledge and know-how in audio and podcasting — valuable and transferable skills in a world that is increasingly drawn to these distinct modes of storytelling.

The following 45 organizations have been honored with �鶹���� Action Grants in 2022:

“At the �鶹����, we know there are systemic barriers that prevent talented people from having an opportunity to pursue �鶹���� careers. We are committed to breaking these barriers down. Each of the organizations we are supporting with �鶹���� Action Grants has made a substantial impact in their communities and we are thrilled to support their work,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the �鶹���� and Publisher of Science News. “I look forward to seeing how the Society’s support will help them grow and expand even further.”

Twenty of the organizations on this year’s list previously received support through the program. Since 2016, (including this announcement), the �鶹���� Action Grant program has given $586,000 to a total of 85 organizations.

Learn more about the 45 awardees of the 2022 �鶹���� Action Grant program here. 

Funding for this year’s �鶹���� Action Grant program comes from Regeneron; Science Sandbox, an initiative of the Simons Foundation; as well as the �鶹����’s President’s Fund.

About �鶹����

�鶹���� is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, �鶹���� is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in �鶹����.

A 501(c)(3) membership organization, �鶹���� is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at and follow us on , , and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact:
Aparna Paul (she/her/hers)
Director of Communications, �鶹����
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

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The California Desert Land Conservancy, also known as the  in Joshua Tree, California, has conserved more than 100,000 acres of prime desert habitat. They offer hands-on learning and volunteer opportunities to residents and visitors of the desert. Serving predominantly lower-income schools, a $5,000 Stem Action Grant has allowed the organization to complete a �鶹����-based learning lab that has guided local elementary school classrooms through an eight-week-long course on the natural and cultural resources of the Mojave Desert. Beyond labs in the field, MLDT also used the grant to offer hands-on �鶹���� modules in local classrooms, designed to provide students with meaningful and authentic learning experiences that are tied directly to their state’s standardized curricula. “This grant has sparked a curiosity in my students and has bettered their understanding of the desert ecosystem, conservation and �鶹����,” MDLT’s Robyn Straley commented on the impact of their �鶹���� Action Grant so far.

, a nonprofit based in Reno, Nevada, is committed to the goal of transitioning to a green economy. Since 2015, its programs have helped schools save over $1 million in energy costs. A �鶹���� Action Grant of $4,000 supported its goal of implementing student-driven sustainability projects in three Nevada schools, including a fifth-grade class’s ambitious plan to replace all its school’s fluorescent lights with new energy-efficient LED fixtures. Through their Project ReCharge program, funds from the grant were used to purchase LED lights needed to bring the project to fruition. “This has been a truly wonderful program for my 5th graders to take part in,” said teacher Tammy Borremans. “The fact that ten- and eleven-year-olds were able to use their voices for a subject that they felt passionate about, and to have their proposal chosen to be funded and implemented, was so exciting!” Nearly 30 community members, students, faculty and staff worked together to install the new lights and remove the old bulbs, which were then recycled. After the completion of the installation, the school will save approximately $12,000 in annual energy costs.

The National Forest Foundation’s  project works to provide equitable access to unique �鶹���� opportunities for middle and high school students across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its programs expose students to technologies used in forest conservation and engages them in conservation efforts on public lands, such as by assisting in data collection to inform scientists and policymakers. The $5,000 �鶹���� Action Grant supported the development of a middle school pilot program of GDAZ, which teaches students to skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones. The program currently has over 300 students enrolled. As part of the program, GDAZ hosted three field trips for local students to the Lower Salt River Restoration Project (LSRRP) on the Tonto National Forest. In addition to learning about GIS and UAV technology, the students—many of whom had never visited a National Forest before—had the chance to learn about ecology from experts first-hand, along with the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

The (NERI), based in Portland, Oregon works to further knowledge of Pacific Northwest natural history through grassroots research, training and dissemination of information. A $5,000 �鶹���� Action Grant has helped Native American high school and college students to conduct research and receive career mentorship in the field of biological sciences. “Some of my students experience hardships such as belonging to the LGBTQ community, being homeless or being in foster care,” says Laura Guderyahn, an ecologist who works at NERI. She adds that this year’s grant has allowed her “to provide paid internships to deserving high school and college-aged women of color — to inspire them to consider field biology as a career. If the internships were not paid opportunities, it is doubtful my students would be able to participate.” This year’s interns have spent over 250 hours working and gaining practical experience in the field of biology and will continue to support projects and surveys in Northwest Oregon throughout the summer.

is a 15-acre farm campus nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Greene County, Tennessee. The center works to connect local families to farms in the region, teaching the importance of agriculture and farming in the present day. This past year, a $5,000 �鶹���� Action Grant supported the expansion of the Center’s , offering skills in agriculture and sustainable farming to 75 young participants from low-income and rural backgrounds. With the purchase of soil testing kits, a subpod for composting and a garden, these teens are being introduced to scientific careers. Specifically, the students have been working in small teams to explore questions such as how soil chemistry varies across areas on the farm, and how parasite loads in cattle are affected by rotational grazing. “We love implementing the scientific method into our farm work with youth,” said Emily Bidgood, Vice President and Administrative Volunteer of the Rural Resources Board.

engages residents and visitors with the rich ecological and cultural knowledge of Southeast Utah. A $5,000 �鶹���� Action Grant has supported the , which invites Indigenous scientists and knowledge holders from across the Colorado Plateau to share their perspectives. Kristina Young, Executive Director of Science Moab says, “With the generous help of this grant, we have been able to expand the number of Indigenous scientists and knowledge holders interviewed on our radio show and podcast and provide a platform to ensure these voices are heard. We have gained trust with many Native listeners, which is made evident by the increased number of self-identified Native people that have started following our social media channels. We were also able to bring diverse perspectives and knowledge sets to the predominantly western science-dominated Moab Festival of Science by compensating an Indigenous speaker to provide his perspective on archaeology and science in the Four Corners region.” The grant also supported the production of this well-attended webinar, , which was presented during the Moab Festival of Science.

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