Science & Spanish Club Network
Join the club!
The Gulf of Mexico Foundation’s “Science & Spanish Club Network,” established in 2000, takes a multicultural approach to coastal environmental education, with a focus on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean ecosystems. The program connects students from both English- and Spanish-speaking backgrounds to coastal nature – and to each other - through hands-on education, restoration and outreach projects along the Gulf Coast and Caribbean Islands.
Already, kids from grades 4-12 are linked through Science & Spanish Clubs in Texas, Louisiana, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. An estimated 7,500 students, from school districts and Boys & Girls Clubs, have participated in Science & Spanish Club activities and special events in their coastal communities.
Here’s how the clubs work: The foundation partners with school districts, county governments, river managers and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to identify club opportunities and coastal projects. For each club, teachers in science and culture/language team to guide kids in weekly meetings, during which environmental projects and special group activities are organized throughout the school year. The clubs recruit community volunteers to help complete coastal assignments.
These kids gain a keen understanding, appreciation and responsibility for their region’s landscape and culture. But many more students could benefit. That’s why the foundation seeks to expand its network of young leaders across the entire Gulf region—reaching students in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, as well as the Gulf states of Mexico. Ultimately, this network could expand to follow its participants through higher education even as they become adults, living and working in coastal zones. To achieve these goals, the Network needs to hire several dedicated staff and develop materials.
One 6th grader in the Science & Spanish Club Network recently remarked, “If we are the leaders of tomorrow, then why can’t we start today?” With your donation, kids can.
To Learn More
Gulf of Mexico Foundation
PMB 51, 5403 Everhart,
Corpus Christi, TX, 78411
800.884.4175 or 361.882.3939
http://gulfmex.org
