Free After-School Program Teaches Watershed Learning Virtually

Learning Endeavors News Release

A placed-based STEM watershed learning experience, called Champions of Coastal Resilience (CCR), is designed for after-school enrichment for grades 4-6 on Molokai. It is a virtual, seven-week action curriculum, facilitated by a Molokai-based instructor beginning on Monday, January 25, taking place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Registration is now open.

This is a free opportunity offered by Learning Endeavors, a Wailuku nonprofit organization offering innovative education program development, in partnership with the Molokai 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The Champions of Coastal Resilience initiative is its newest program, starting on Molokai and soon expanding statewide.

“The Champions of Coastal Resilience Program is a great opportunity for Molokai keiki to participate in a virtual, STEM program with students from other Molokai schools that focuses on familiar places that are important to our community,” said Director of the Molokai 21st Century Community Learning Center, Jessica Kalanihuia.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and supported by the U.S. Department of Education, awarded $2.35 million to 29 environmental education organizations that partner with NOAA to provide enriching after school watershed-related STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) projects. These grants support programming for a total of 91 local 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) sites and their students, many of whom live in high-poverty and underserved areas. These Watershed STEM Education Partnership Grants allow environmental education organizations to collaborate directly with the 21st CCLC sites on the design and implementation of locally relevant, out-of-school-time programs that develop students’ environmental literacy and leadership skills as they improve their communities. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by NAAEE.

“It is so exciting to launch this unique opportunity and work together with NOAA and the Department of Education to support educators and 21st CCLC sites. Combining our strengths is a force multiplier in both creating equitable STEM opportunities for students across the country, and strengthening EE programs. Together, we can help build a more equitable and sustainable future,” said T’Noya Thompson, Environmental Education Specialist at NAAEE and Program Manager for the grant. “These programs will enrich communities around the country, and ultimately cultivate a sense of stewardship within everyone involved.”

To learn more or to register your keiki for this program, please visit learningendeavors.org/ccr.