July 21, 2015

Dear Supporter,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Innovator! With our summer camps in full swing and the Science Center's halls flooded with the excitement and wonder of STEM learning, we are reminded of you, the individuals who support the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Your involvement is the foundation of our work, and the purpose of this new monthly newsletter is to keep you updated on the impact your support has on our community and on our children.

WE ARE ALL PHILANTHROPISTS

Too often when we think of philanthropists, we immediately count ourselves out. However, philanthropy is the big umbrella that unites every person who is committed to improving our community and the world. We at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center are thankful for you--the philanthropist who walks through our door, joins us under the big top for CIRCUS, explores Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theatre or sends their child to learn about the science behind what it takes to be a superhero, wizard or spy at one of our summer camps. Thanks to your support, over the last year the Fleet was able to provide free admission to more than 100,000 adults, children and students. Without your involvement and support, the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of science and technology would simply not have been possible for so many of our fellow San Diegans.

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE IN THE PARK

The past year we have been able to advance our goal of becoming a truly county-wide organization. In addition to the growing popularity of our adult programs like Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar and Suds & Science, the Fleet's afterschool program, SciTech, added new schools to its roster of sites. SciTech engages 4th-6th grade girls in a year-long experience with science, engineering and collaborative exploration. One of the highlights of this year's program was the Tech Challenge, where participants developed and tested novel construction techniques designed to build structures to withstand earthquakes. Meanwhile the Fleet Inquiry Institute, our teacher professional development program, has been offering Spotlight on San Diego Science. This program brings together working San Diego scientists with county school teachers to explore how to connect the real science happening across the county to the Next Generation Science Standards. To date the program has been a great success. Additionally, we are looking forward to welcoming a new group of educators to our sold-out Summer Science Institute.

CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE

As part of our ongoing effort to help build communities of science across the county, we have just launched 52 Weeks of Science. Through this potentially groundbreaking initiative, we are actively connecting and leveraging the educational efforts and assets of schools, local nonprofit organizations and the scientific community to create an active and thriving STEM ecosystem in neighborhoods across the county. This new effort is a keystone in our Science Starts Here strategy designed to ensure that every San Diegan can access and be inspired by the wonder of science, have their skills and talents developed in dynamic learning environments and live in a community rich in the science experiences that build and support them and the region's scientific identity.

YOUR INVESTMENT...

None of these programs, from SciTech to 52 Weeks of Science, would be possible without your philanthropic support. Your investment in the Fleet is an investment in San Diego and the future.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and for joining us in our shared mission to engage all of San Diego in science. We hope to see you at the Fleet this summer!

Sincerely,

Dr. Steve Snyder, CEO

P.S. For more information on how you can support the Fleet's efforts, contact Matthew Kirl at MKirl@rhfleet.org

In the News and

In Our Community

Watch coverage of the Fleet's Pluto Fly-By Party hosted by NASA Solar System Ambassador Jerry Hilburn and the Fleet's own resident astronomer, Dr. Lisa Will.

52 Weeks of Science is featured at the 2015 U.S. News STEM Solutions National Leadership Conference in San Diego.

For more information on upcoming events and activities at the Fleet, sign up for our newsletter here.

Stay Connected

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center | (619) 238-1233 | www.rhfleet.org