In 2023, Envirolution embarked on a mission to inspire, engage, and educate. Our year kicked off with a focus on empowering young women in STEM. February saw two landmark events in partnership with Tesla. On February 21st, our Virtual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day connected over 3,000 students from 43 states and 47 countries to the fascinating world of engineering at Tesla. Just two days later, the in-person event broadened horizons for 600 students across seven states, with tours at 16 Tesla locations.
Spring ushered in new adventures with our Sustainability Expedition over Washoe County’s Spring Break. Nine students joined us for an enlightening journey, visiting local businesses like Redwood Materials, Patagonia, and NV Energy. They delved deep into the heart of the local sustainability movement, forging valuable connections and culminating the week with a community-focused park clean-up and vision board session.
As the flowers bloomed in Carson City, the energy of innovation was palpable at our E-Power Workshop. Carson Middle School and Eagle Valley Middle School students transformed into Energy Bike Ambassadors, building energy-generating bikes from scratch. Their hands-on experience and the insightful guest speakers enriched their understanding, as reflected in a remarkable 30% increase in content knowledge. The workshop didn’t just build bikes; it built dreams and aspirations, with students expressing their newfound inspiration and goals.
April was a whirlwind of activity, aptly named Aprilpalooza. In just six weeks, Envirolution engaged with over 1,200 people through diverse events and outreach programs. We connected with the community on multiple fronts, from educational workshops to Earth Day festivities, emphasizing our commitment to STEAM and sustainability.
May brought with it the Project ReCharge Celebration, a showcase of student ingenuity. The community gathered in awe as students and teachers presented their sustainability projects. The event wasn’t just a celebration; it was a promise of future projects that would turn these young dreamers’ ideas into reality.
The success of our Career Quest program marked a significant achievement. Engaging with 1,482 students through 56 events, we expanded our reach with new partners like TMWA, Redwood Materials, and the NASA Robotics Center. These collaborations not only enhanced our program but also broadened the horizons for countless students.
Our efforts and dedication were further recognized with a generous $90,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This grant for Project ReCharge is not just funding; it’s an affirmation of our mission to innovate and inspire in the realm of sustainable education. As we celebrate our recognition of Project ReCharge by Nevada’s OSIT as a Model High Quality STEM Curriculum, we are reminded of our unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
2023 was also a year of leadership transition. We bid a heartfelt farewell to Vanessa Robertson, whose nine years of leadership were instrumental in shaping Envirolution’s journey. In her stead, we welcomed Dr. Mishkat Al Moumin, an environmental advocate and visionary leader. Her arrival marks a new chapter in our story, one filled with anticipation and promise for the future.
Reflecting on this remarkable year, we are filled with gratitude for our partners, volunteers, and the community. Your support has been the backbone of our success. As we look forward to another year of growth and impact, join us in our journey towards a more sustainable and enlightened world.