First Hand Learning Inc

For years now, Firsthand Learning has provided invaluable assistance to the Buffalo Public Schools, supporting the elementary and middle level science program with hands-on, inquiry-based materials and curriculum-related science kits. As a result, teachers have consistently affirmed that students have performed above the State average on annual standardized tests. And students have reported that their interest in science has increased dramatically, leading many of them to seek more advanced study than they had previously planned. Additionally, Firsthand Learning's after-school programs in collaboration with a wide variety of community organizations have led to work experiences for high school students and exploratory science activities for elementary and middle level children. All in all, I am proud to serve on the Board for an organization that provides such enriching and educational opportunities for a city that exemplifies the racial, ethnic, social, and cultural diversity that our society prizes.

Our community center, Gloria J. Parks in Buffalo, NY, partnered with First Hand Learning this summer to provide a hands on urban environmental science program. We worked with the Science Firsthand staff from FHL. The summer program brought kids from summer camps throughout Buffalo to the Gloria Parks Community center. Their camps signed up for a week of Urban Environmental Science. The program served 12 organizations and almost 200 kids Science Firsthand trained the summer staff, who were recent college grads. They spent 3 weeks learning and practicing inquiry, the method behind doing Science Firsthand. Science Firsthand provided the coordinator, who had been a Science Firsthand manager. The Science Firsthand staff and the support they provided made the camp very successful and memorable for kids and staff. The training enabled our staff to plan and implement 7 weeks of creative programming that engaged inner city, at risk kids in exploration and discovery. The experiences that the kids had during their hands on science week at Gloria Parks demonstrated the value and validity of inquiry based learning. Partnering with Science Firsthand allowed our organization to meet its goal of offering this unique and very valuable service to the youth in our community.