Causes:
Children & Youth,
Environment,
Environmental Beautification,
Environmental Education,
Youth Development
Mission: ELK (Environmental Learning for Kids) is an inclusive non-profit organization that develops inspired and responsible leaders through science education and outdoor experiences for underserved, urban youth ages 5-25.
ELK Inspires youth to have high expectations of themselves by exposing them to the outdoors and engaging them in service learning projects. For many of the youth ELK serves, it’s their first experience with the outdoors.
ELK Educates youth through science and environmental education embedded in all programs and activities, furthers students’ understanding and attitudes toward science, the outdoors, their communities, college, and careers.
ELK Transforms youth by endowing them with increased academic skills, civic and community leadership, environmental stewardship, and employment opportunities.
Our Mission: Environmental Learning for Kids cultivates a passion in science, leadership, and service in a diverse community of learners.
Our Vision: We envision a world in which all people are caretakers of themselves, each other and the natural world.
Our Values: Life-long learning, Diversity and inclusiveness , Direct experience in the outdoors, Development of human potential
Results: ELK was named the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Small Nonprofit of the Year
ELK serves over 5,000 youth each year through year-round intensive programs and in-school/after-school programs
ELK reaches over 15,000 youth and families each year through educational outreach
100% of ELK’s youth graduated high school 2011-2013 (90% or more since the founding of ELK)
60% of tracked ELK alumni are studying or working in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related career field
Each year ELK conducts over 79 day-long educational programs
ELK serves 20 schools within 5 districts along Colorado’s Front Range
ELK has assisted ELK youth in acquiring over $757,000 in college scholarships, including 5 ELK students who are Daniels Fund Scholars
Target demographics: Underserved, Culturally Diverse, Urban Youth
Direct beneficiaries per year: over 5,000 youth each year through year-round intensive programs and in-school/after-school programs as well as reaches over 15,000 youth and families each year through educational outreach.
Geographic areas served: Arapahoe, Adams and Denver Counties
Programs: Denver Youth Naturally (DYN) brings youth ages 5-25 together in a hands-on, active program that provides opportunities for them to experience and learn about Colorado's great outdoors. DYN ignites curiosity and inspires youth in their academic studies, leadership development and career exploration.
Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) encourages youth, ages 14-25, to explore career options, gain work experience in the natural resource and science fields, and continue their education after high school.
Learning Environmental Activities for Families (LEAF) brings families into ELK's community of learning. By participating in LEAF activities, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and extended family learn about Colorado's natural resources and give back to the community through stewardship projects.
A selection of science and natural resource programs to public and private schools, youth organizations, home school groups and other community-based groups in Colorado.
