Environmental education programs have become a fixture in classrooms around the country, but few offer the hands on experience that Save the Bay has offered the schools of Rhode Island in the past.  The program, which provides a unique education to over 17,000 public school students from around the state of Rhode Island, provides a variety of educational benefits to students.  The program allows for teachers to implement core curriculum skills in math and science through active discovery of Narragansett Bay.  Students who have participated in the programs have demonstrated a greater interest in math and science and a greater appreciation and awareness of Narragansett Bay.

This heralded program was previously funded through a one million dollar federal earmark, which was discontinued at the end of 2010 and numerous steps have since been taken to account for the sharp cuts within the program’s funding.  The entire Save the Bay staff has been decreased by 20% and the education staff has been reduced by one third.  Despite these efforts, there still remains a gap in the short term budget.

In order to continue providing this valuable resource to the students of Rhode Island, Save the Bay has announced its Keep Educating Young Scientists (K.E.Y.S.) Campaign.  The goal  of this initiative is to raise 200,000 dollars a year for the next three years in order to fund the environmental education program.  By raising this “bridge funding” over the next three years, Save the Bay’s environmental education program hopes to be completely self funded.  Donations can be made using a check or through the Save the Bay website, where the organization has allowed the donor to see what amounts provide specific services.  

By continuing the environmental education of the youth of Rhode Island, we can ensure that future generations will be able to learn from and enjoy the fabulous ecosystem of Narragansett Bay.