STEM Action Grants, STEM Outreach
Earth Day 2025: These community organizations earn a “green thumbs” up on growing environmental awareness
Today, April 22, is Earth Day—a time to raise global awareness about environmental issues. But for some environmentalists, every day can feel like Earth Day. For instance, many of the Society’s STEM Action Grantees are doing this work on the ground, working diligently to enhance public understanding of science through community-driven efforts. Below, check out how just some of our “terra-fic” STEM Action Grantees from 2024 are working together to make the Earth a better place to live.
Algalita Marine Research and Education
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 STEM 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.
Coastal Expeditions Foundation
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.
Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center
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 STEM Action Grantees program here.
