As the Scientist in Every Florida School program begins to grow and build capacity, partnerships with other organizations is crucial. In it’s first three years, the program aims to connect scientists with every K-12 public school in five target counties: Escambia, Alachua, Seminole, Lee and Palm Beach.

In an effort to begin building these partnerships and raising awareness about the SEFS program, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute director Bruce MacFadden traveled to Palm Beach County from Oct. 7-10 to meet with local groups that currently offer K-12 outreach in various capacities. These organizations included:

  • ANGARI Foundation
  • Loggerhead Marinelife Center
  • Mounts Botanical Garden
  • UF/IFAS-Palm Beach County Extension
  • Manatee Lagoon
  • South Florida Science Center
  • The Reef Institute
  • FAU- Pine Jog
  • EarthEcho International
  • School District of Palm Beach Countymeeting with FAU Pine Jog officials

The discussions allowed for an open dialogue and gave both SEFS and potential partners an opportunity to learn about each other.

“The potential synergy here is great, SEFS now has a better understanding of current K-12 outreach in Palm Beach County,” MacFadden said.

“We know that our strength is to be able to provide content experts to add another layer to enrich existent programs, as well as provide connections between scientists and teachers in the classroom.”

The interest in collaborating and providing new experiences for the Palm Beach County School District, was seen across the board. MacFadden also presented about Florida’s Earth systems and the SEFS program to the Palm Beach Rotary Club at the Chesterfield Hotel.

Action plans and next steps meetings have been initiated with six of the groups. The week fueled our mission with several exciting projects that are now underway, and are sure to impact K-12 outreachposing on ANGARI vessel countywide.

If you are interested in partnering with, or learning more about the SEFS program, visit: Scientist in Every Florida School