Based in Los Angeles, Calif., this nonprofit helps economically disadvantaged students – many of whom are minorities – develop the engineering, language and creative skills they need to become 21st century innovators. Unequal opportunities and lack of access have long impacted lower achievement in math and science, leaving underserved youth like these unprepared to pursue a career in STEM. Only 12 percent of the STEM workforce are currently African American or Latino.

This innovative program not only strengthens academic fundamentals through enrichment curriculum, but also creates original STEM projects that teach exploration, inquiry and innovation. Students build a newfound confidence and master the skills that prepare them to succeed in the careers that are among the fastest-growing and most lucrative occupations of the future – a future that is estimated to offer about 2.4 million new job opportunities by 2020.

For these underserved youth, dreams and aspirations can be realized. By choosing STEM, they choose a better future.

For more information:  www.9dots.org

Students use the on-campus MakerSpace to develop their design and building skills using technology and power tools. The Zoo Project launches students into the project-based, Maker education model that is centered on collaborative, hands-on learning and is inherent throughout ARS.

ARS staff will also attend their first Project-Based Learning World Conference to learn and share best practices as they prepare curriculum and formalize the Maker model from idea generation through the final product. Throughout the year, an interactive display board will provide visual insights into the stages of the project, emphasizing “process over product.”

As a national leader and innovator in this space, ARS will incorporate teacher- and self-assessment of the process and growth in students’ 5Cs (collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and community) for further assessment and replication.

For more information: www.annrichardsschool.org

All Points North Foundation’s grant will see an additional 30 middle schools offering extracurricular opportunities to participate in #BrowardCODES for social good.

BCPS became the first school district in the nation to partner with Code.org to increase access to computer science courses, curriculum, and resources, inside and outside the classroom. Since then, BCPS has been named a regional partner with Code.org, which provides additional funds master teacher trainers and computer science-trained teachers and the application of design thinking. The #BrowardCODES initiative broadens participation by hosting Saturday Code Clubs reaching out to underserved communities, holding teacher workshops, interactive family CodeFests, and a culminating apps challenge showcase that attracts the enthusiastic participation of industry professionals.

Students not only experience computer science on a screen, but bring it to reality through robotics, drones, 3D design, and apps, emphasizing empathy to solve real-world community problems through intergenerational collaboration.

For more information: www.browardedfoundation.org

Apprenticeships guided by local STEM professionals will help 150 6th and 7th grade students at ESCS master 21st century skills like collaboration, teamwork, and problem solving, through project-based, hands-on learning opportunities. Students who might otherwise have a limited understanding of available career pathways to become better prepared to thrive in the “innovation economy”. For families, many of whom represent diverse cultures where English is a second language, Citizen Schools also serves as a welcoming access point and helps them navigate the school system. By semester’s end, educators, students, community and families come together for a public celebration where students teach back what they’ve learned in their apprenticeships at an event called WOW!

For 22 years, the Citizen Schools collaborative model has focused on the whole child, “educating children, strengthening communities” and instilling the belief that success is indeed attainable. At ESCS, Citizen Schools is closing the opportunity gap, and, with the support of corporate and community volunteers, is ensuring that students have the opportunity to dream big and envision their path to future success.

For more information: www.citizenschools.org

At the heart is Citizen Schools’ signature apprenticeship programs. Passionate AmeriCorps members and aspiring educators are joined by community volunteers called “Citizen Teachers” to mentor high-need students through semester-long hands-on projects. These teachers and partner instructors inspire and introduce middle school students to new fields, and related careers. Over half of all apprenticeships are in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

In addition to apprenticeships, Citizen Schools provides academic support in math or English Language Arts and helps students set goals and devise action plans. They also organize high school application support, college visits, and other field trips.

Over 20 years, the Citizen Schools ELT model has generated enthusiasm among educators and community leaders intent on “educating children, strengthening communities” and instilling the belief that success is indeed attainable.

For more information: www.citizenschools.org

By close of 2015, CPN had recruited more than 5,500 solar co-op members, implemented 60 co-ops, and oversaw the installation of more than 1,000 solar systems, resulting in 6 mW of solar power through on-the-ground programs. Additionally, CPN has facilitated $18 million in solar investments, helping to create new jobs.

CPN’s ambitious education outreach builds awareness of distributed solar, amplifies success stories, shares best practices for deploying projects, and grows contagious support for community solar. Analysis and case studies on community solar projects provide citizens with resources on how to create positive change in their own communities. A monthly newsletter covers key issues, tips and tools in the community renewables space and shines a spotlight on innovative projects that can be replicated.

CPN will especially highlight the innovative work in states that have less developed solar markets and policies, including Florida, Ohio, and West Virginia. Most importantly, CPN communications will target all “practitioners” and citizens who have an interest in a future where every community participates in the financial benefits of solar energy diversification.

For more information: www.communitypowernetwork.com

Now, committed as ever to the community’s preservation and growth, Dell’Arte is embarking on a solar energy project that will increase the theatre’s energy efficiency and utilize the region’s available solar power. By installing a 17kW solar generator, the theatre will offset between 50 and 70 percent of its electricity use and ultimately achieve a high level of energy independence – a strategic vision for the Blue Lake community and the larger state of California.

But Dell’Arte has an even loftier goal in mind. By investing in solar technology, the theatre hopes to bring solar awareness to its community and serve as a catalyst for area residents, businesses and other nonprofits. For rural towns like Blue Lake – where access to high technology is inconsistent – energy independence can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and lead to sustainable operations.

By shining a spotlight on solar power, Dell’Arte continues to lead by example, both on and off the stage, and protect an environment and community vital to the organization’s success.

For more information: www.dellarte.com

Building Teacher Capacity for Next Generation Science Standards enlists a seasoned Science Instructional Coach (SIC) to train teachers in the new standards and identify helpful resources and professional development opportunities including STEM-focused conferences. Beyond that, the aim is to drive toward a three-dimensional instructional shift to disciplinary core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to ensure student achievement. Outside the classroom, student interest in NGSS and STEM subjects is cultivated through STEM partnerships and school-based activities, such as the STEM Family Night and Earth Day event.

All Points North Foundation’s grant enables ECMS-I to not only transform its practice, based on innovative NGSS conceptual frameworks, deepen its understandings of science standards, and increase student science proficiency but inspire students to overcome community conditions and consider a STEM pathway for college and career.

For more information: www.ecsonline.org

Another 1.5 million guests worldwide will also experience how technology harnesses energy from the sun thanks to traveling exhibitions and outreach programs.

The Solar for the Sciencenter project is expected to produce 177,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, and avert 150,000 pounds of C02 from entering the atmosphere over the first 10 years of its 25 year expected life. In the process, the Sciencenter will save over $1,700 per year on utility costs. That real-time reduction in the Sciencenter’s overhead costs will enable them to grow their free access programs which provide free memberships for low-income families.

The transformative experience, at the Sciencenter and in other deserving communities that Everybody Solar supports, inspires others to help make communities more sustainable. As Everybody Solar attests, everybody has a right to affordable energy and clean air.

For more information: www.everybodysolar.org

Formerly known as the Science Factory, and under new leadership, the ESC has great ambitions to upgrade their facilities and bring new exhibits and program spaces through a new initiative. At the center of this effort is the new hands-on solar exhibit, and also a state-of-the-art 32.5 kW photovoltaic system. The solar array will improve the ESC’s carbon footprint by producing an estimated 380,000 kWh of electricity, averting over 625,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere over the next 10 years. The electricity cost savings can then be diverted to their discounted access programs, educational exhibits, participatory activities, and planetarium shows.

The transformative experience at the Eugene Science Center inspires others to help make communities more sustainable. As Everybody Solar attests, everybody has a right to affordable energy and clean air.

For more information: www.everybodysolar.org

With support from All Points North Foundation, the tribe is partnering with GRID Alternatives, the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer to install solar electric systems for low-income tribal families, targeting the highest need first. In the process, GRID is providing “classroom on the roof” training to tribal members interested in hands-on skills building in solar PV and increasing their employment opportunities in the growing solar jobs market.

This “triple bottom line” model of “People. Planet. Employment” is part of GRID’s larger effort to bring solar PV to scale on tribal lands throughout the United States through innovative partnerships.  To date, communities in seven states have established solar PV as a sustainable economic development strategy for their tribes. And, GRID is confident that the Rosebud Sioux Tribe will set a precedent to becoming a scalable and sustainable model of solar for all of its homes.

Since its founding in 2001, GRID has stayed true to its simple vision not just for tribal lands but the nation’s underserved communities: free, clean electricity from the sun should be available to everyone.

For more information: www.gridalternatives.org

Providing a unique educational experience, the Hike Inn promotes physical health, environmental awareness and stewardship, and hands on application of sustainability. From a small photovoltaic system and passive solar thermal water systems to the composting of food waste and recycling for waste diversion, the Hike Inn leads the way in sustainable operations for Georgia State Park facilities.

As a unique learning resource center, it continues to inspire environmental stewardship with its latest project, Above the Grid. This energy literacy project includes both installing a new photovoltaic solar system to increase solar electric power and improve sustainability operations, and promoting solar technology innovation through education outreach targeted to adults and youth. In 2017, the Hike Inn will install a new 53.72 kWh system, providing up to 69% of their electric energy needs from solar power, and promoting solar energy education and awareness in the process.

For more information: www.hike-inn.com

A real time monitoring display unit on the outside of the building will provide the public with information on energy consumption and savings, creating constant awareness about the benefits of solar energy. Local students will have the opportunity to be educated on PV energy, as the LCCC will coordinate on-site visits for both private and public area schools. In addition, LCCC will highlight the positives of solar energy through lectures and tours of the building, and by producing a flyer for the 16,000 visitors who come through the doors every year.  A special celebration will also be held to commission this new solar system during a dedication ceremony, where local dignitaries, politicians, members and the public will be invited to attend.

While the mission of the LCCC is primarily to promote cultural enrichment programs and events, and provide a gathering place for the community, the new PV solar system guarantees that the Old Art Building will continue to be a significant part of Leelanau history for years to come.

For more information: www.oldartbuilding.com

Students collaborate with community professionals who mentor these “energy superheroes.” Students sleuth ways to save energy at school and at home. Past competitions have averaged a 16% energy savings with some schools saving as much as 30%. Schools are provided curriculum and solar kits from Need.org to ensure that solar and energy education is not just a one-month lesson but a lifelong way of energy-conscious living. Additionally, the process brings new learnings to teachers and students, who see their efforts in this STEM-based education initiative turn into dramatic cost savings for schools.

The ReNew Our Schools’ energy competition has empowered thousands of K-12 students to become energy stewards who prioritize conservation for years to come.

For more information: www.conservationcenter.org/renew-our-schools

The training will include experience installing solar photovoltaic systems on the homes of low-income residents in partnership with GRID Alternatives, but also will explore other potential job opportunities within the solar industry including design, sales, and permitting. Opportunity Build graduates receive certificates recognized by the solar industry.

All Opportunity Build Solar participants are low income and have experienced roadblocks to consistent employment. Through this program, Rising Sun offers these individuals a pathway out of poverty through a career that offers livable wages and good benefits, while building the clean energy future we need.

Rising Sun adheres to four key values which will all play a role in this project: 1) belief in human potential: when people realize their potential, they can make a difference in their communities, 2) belief that economic, environmental, and social opportunities should be accessible to everyone, 3) belief that resource conservation is a shared responsibility, 4) commitment to achieving tangible results through environmental and social impact.

For more information: www.risingsunopp.org

For Drew and Gompers (Los Angeles) and Dana (San Pedro) Middle Schools, Saturday Night Bath is determined to make music matter.

Since 1986, Saturday Night Bath has delivered 540 concerts in schools and detention facilities, connecting with over 37,000 at-risk youth through music. From Chuck Berry to Carlos Santana, each concert of American jazz and blues consists of pausing midway for Saturday Night Bath members to describe the origins and history of their musical instruments, its inventors, and snippets of famous contemporary artists.

The series of concerts and clinics include acoustical instrument tutorials and composition workshops. Saturday Night Bath artists provide one-on-one coaching on musical instruments and song selection whether rock & roll or “flow” rap, culminating with a student concert performance. Principals and teachers alike point to the positive impact music, like Saturday Night Bath’s performances, has made as a critical learning tool that keeps at-risk youth engaged.

For more information: www.saturdaynightbath.org

An All Points North Foundation grant is helping to launch San José State University’s NGSS Implementation Collaborative (NIC) in partnership with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF). This 12-month effort directly supports more than 20 local public middle school teachers and their 1,000 middle school students. The collaboration builds upon the successes of the university’s Bay Area Environmental STEM Institute, a year-round professional development program which has been serving teachers since 1990; and the Green Ninja Project, a 2014 winner of SVEF’s STEM Innovation Awards. This educational project inspires young people to learn how to fight climate change through social media and hands-on learning experiences by following the adventures of the climate action super hero Green Ninja.

A four-day NIC summer institute of learner-centered instruction for teachers will blend science concepts with pedagogy through investigation of the NGSS-aligned Story-Science-Solution, a middle school learning sequence centered on climate change. In-person and online follow-up throughout the academic year will support implementation of materials modeled during the summer institute, helping teachers embrace California’s required transition to NGSS.

For more information: www.sjsu.edu/towerfoundation

The idea behind this project is for SEI to provide training, equipment, curriculum, and execute co-teaching/mentorship to RCR. RCR will then have an increased capacity to offer and implement week long, hands-on solar electric lab classes to Native Americans.

Currently there are 567 federally recognized Native American and Alaskan Native Tribes in the U.S. Many in these communities suffer from high rates of poverty and unemployment. The Energy Information Administration estimates that 14 percent of households have no access to electricity, which is 10 times higher than the national average. Incidentally, the green job sector has grown in the past five years. The U.S. government has new data which shows that the solar installer will be the fastest-growing job in America over the next 10 years. Programs like ‘Train the Trainer’ provide opportunities to further increase these numbers, and allow employment, training and entrepreneurial start-ups to thrive and prosper while also increasing energy sovereignty for Tribal communities.

For more information: www.solarenergy.org
www.redcloudrenewable.org

Spark Northwest’s Solarize program has to date educated almost 5,000 people and helped over 1,000 families and businesses go solar through a grassroots group purchase model.

Solarize the Land Trust is the first solar group purchase for a community land trust, which will provide affordable solar installations for Homestead’s income-qualified homeowners. A community land trust creates permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income residents. By combining a group purchase negotiation with low-interest financing and grants, Solarize the Land Trust will bring affordable solar to permanently affordable housing. Spark Northwest will work together with the Homestead to educate 200 people about adding solar to their homes, and to help six homeowners install solar with very little upfront cost. The project will be a model for other land trusts across the country to bring the benefits of solar to affordable homes, including reducing housing-related energy costs.

For more information: www.sparknorthwest.org