Many public schools that we serve receive federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to support students from low-income families. These are often referred to as “Title I schools” and the intent of this program is to help them meet state academic standards and close achievement gaps. California currently has about has 5,183 Title I eligible schools. These are schools down the street from where you live, that your children may attend and benefit from even if you do not consider yourself a low-income family.
For over 10 years, YSI has had a specific focus on delivering high-quality science programs to Title I schools to ensure that economic barriers never stand between students and transformative science education. By partnering with Title I schools, we reach students who need these opportunities most. Our work helps foster environmental awareness and scientific literacy in diverse communities across our region.
"What a great experience my class had at the Youth Science Institute at Alum Rock Park. The centered hands-on approach was so valuable to my second language learners. We learned so much about the Moving Exploding Earth. Exploring rocks, learning about plate tectonics and earthquakes and the Earth's layers were all valuable experiences for my second graders and addressed our Science Standards. They even provided extra resources that we could use when we returned to class. We also really enjoyed the Nature Center as well. Students got to observe some reptiles. The display of taxidermied birds was amazing. Afterward we walked through the outside areas to see examples of erosion, and experienced the mineral springs. The playground and picnic area was very clean and provided my class with a great place to relax before we returned to school. I definitely recommend this field trip."
Dedra D.
Dedicated Teacher at Strip Elementary
"Attending the Animals and their Adaptations class through YSI made the science curriculum that I teach come alive for my students. They were excited to see the animals up close, learn about them, and have the chance to touch them. They also loved taking a walk through Alum Rock Park following our presentation. Even though the park is within a few miles of our school, many of my students had never been there before. This field trip is my all-time favorite!"
Linda S.
Dedicated Teacher at Brooktree Elementary
