In partnership with Boeing, the Seattle Sounders established “Change Champions,” an initiative that highlights local organizations and the impact they have in their communities.
Prior to the April 25 match against FC Dallas, the club honored IslandWood, an environmental education non-profit serving the Puget Sound region.
An organization that provides exceptional learning experiences that inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship, IslandWood is made up of a variety of different programs for those attending under-resourced schools.
“IslandWood inspires the next generation of STEM and conservation leaders,” said Gina Breukleman, Senior Manager, Boeing Global Engagement Northwest Region. “We’re honored to recognize them, and Boeing is proud to support their educational programs.”
Whether through its 10-month graduate program in partnership with the University of Washington, a four-day Overnight Program at its Bainbridge Island headquarters, or day programs held in public parks, watersheds, wastewater treatment plants, and schoolyards in Seattle, Woodinville, and Renton, the nonprofit offers a wide range of accessible educational opportunities throughout the region.
“One, not everybody's going to make it to Bainbridge to experience the overnight program, but they still want and deserve meaningful experiences with the natural world,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Rachel Samuelian. “Just getting schools there, never mind the cost…. I mean, it can be expensive. [There’s] all sorts of reasons why potentially schools can't come and so, you know, we run the variety because it creates impact and memorable experiences for more kids.”
Every program is designed to connect what kids are learning in school to real world experiences. The kids aren’t learning about a plant or animal that does not live or grow in their environment, but taking in the nature that is around them.
“Everything is connected to a place, right? And so everything that we do is experiential, meaning they can smell, they can taste, they can touch, they can hear, they can observe it themselves and have their own actual experience of it,” said Samuelian. “It's really hard to advocate and protect something that you've never really had your own visceral experience of.”
What started 20 years ago as a way to bring inclusivity for under-resourced schools has turned into an organization that has supported tens of thousands students each year. Upon recognizing that students from affluent school districts often had access to outdoor experiences because their families could afford them, while students attending under-resourced schools did not have the same opportunities, the IslandWood founders wanted every child to experience the awe, wonder, and discovery that come from time spent in the natural world.
And through the help of donor and foundation support — which fund scholarships for schools — and the revenue generated by private events (weddings, meetings, retreats) held on their Bainbridge campus, IslandWood has been able to make these unforgettable memories for students possible.
“The work is so meaningful,” said Samuelian. “It's very cool to be a part of something that many, many students, years later tell us is their core Elementary School memory.”
At IslandWood, success is measured by students developing confidence, resilience, scientific curiosity, appreciation for nature, and strong collaboration and problem-solving skills through their programs.
“In many ways, it’s seeing yourself, your capacity, your strengths, and the strengths of others, as well as the experience of the natural world, in new ways, ways that inspire you to care for your community and the planet,” said Samuelian.
Sounders fans can help bring these successes to life through donations, attending a community event, or hosting an event at IslandWood. For more info, click HERE.
