Envrionmental Learning for Kids

Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is celebrating 17 years of developing young leaders and future science professionals through interactive, outdoor, and science-based environmental education. ELK was established by two wildlife biologists, who envisioned an organization that would provide pathways to science and natural resource careers for urban youth, youth of color, and other young people with limited access to these opportunities. We use the outdoors as a pathway to academic success and a passion for science and the environment.

ELK’s programs introduce, immerse, educate, and mentor youth from ages 5-25 to Colorado’s natural resources and related careers. ELK offers a mosaic of programs that serve as stepping-stones for youth, the future leaders and engaged citizens of tomorrow.
Since the founding of ELK, more than 153,000 youth and families have been introduced to and immersed in science education, with many youth becoming first generation college students and graduates. Our most significant assessment of ELK’s success is the number of participants who graduate high school, go on to college and become engaged citizens and stewards. In 2012 ELK youth accomplished a 100% high school graduation rate, compared to about 56.7% of demographic peers in Denver Public Schools. ELK is proud that 60 of our most recent alumni are either in college, college graduates, or in the military, and 60% of them are studying and/or working in a science-related field.

ELK has had a strong presence in the greater metro Denver community and was recently named the 2012 Small Nonprofit of the Year by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. ELK is committed to collaborating with individuals, other nonprofits, government entities and businesses to identify community needs, increase organizational capacity, and fulfill our mission of cultivating a passion for science, service and leadership in a diverse community of learners.

Environmental Learning for Kids
www.elkkids.org