Our Origin Story
The world is changing.
Ecosystems and their inhabitants, our most treasured outdoor spaces and our access to them, are under threat by an onslaught of human-derived stressors. Global biodiversity is declining faster than ever and the consequences of climate change are imminent (Climate.gov 2019, IPBES 2019). But there is still time.
In order to solve these significant global issues, we need everyone’s efforts - every voice at the table.
Unfortunately, not everyone is welcome or feels welcome in these spaces - there is a disconnect of women and female-identifying representation in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. Statistics show that 50% of college educated people in America are women, yet only 30% of STEM professionals are female (NSF 2017). More dismally, less than 1:10 employed scientists and engineers are women of color (Hill et al. 2010).
Why is this happening?
It’s a complicated issue with many systemic roots, but research suggests that one of the main drivers for female underrepresentation in STEM fields is the lack of female role-models. If young women can’t envision themselves in these roles, they will not pursue them.
Out of this disconnect, the EcoLogik Project was created.
Started in 2017 at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California, the EcoLogik Project is a free and unique program that fuses ecology and technology and connects young, underrepresented female explorers and scientists (ages 10-16) to the natural resources and science of America’s National Parks. EcoLogik participants learn and incorporate technological advances and knowledge of the environment to collect natural resource data (community science), create 3D printed biomodels, learn basic coding and programming, and much more!
What began as a single two week summer camp, the EcoLogik Project has evolved into a multi-faceted, strategic framework known as the EcoLogik Institute that helps us best meet the needs of both the local and greater community. Each of the three program pillars - Summer Experience, Leadership Academy, and Workshops & Community - caters to a unique audience while providing a continuum of learning and mentorship for EcoLogik members.
With this fully immersive program we provide young girls and their community a meaningful connection to their National Parks while simultaneously nurturing their love of STEAM and, perhaps more powerfully, their belief in themselves. We show them that they too can become scientists, engineers, and stewards of their outdoor spaces - if they see it, they know they can be it.
