We visited the Elementary Institute of Science and have renewed faith in the future!

We are constantly on the lookout for like minded people and organizations to connect with, around San Diego and beyond. When an opportunity appeared to connect with the Elementary Institute of Science (EIS), we couldn’t wait to hear more about the programs they implement, and to explore the potential for future collaboration.

It all started several months ago in one of the San Diego Diplomacy Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion meetings. We had a desire to strengthen SDDC’s relationships with a greater cross-section of the San Diego community, opening doors to global awareness and international connectivity.

Thanks to a preexisting relationship through board member Susan Flieder, we discovered a willing partner in the Elementary Institute of Science.

EIS works to instill a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into the youth of San Diego’s southeast neighborhoods. Their many holiday programs, after school sessions and school-led experiences empower young people to pursue an interest in STEM, and to challenge what they know about the world around them.

Over the past few months, the San Diego Diplomacy Council has raised funds to purchase a map for EIS, as a means to contextualize where they are and encourage dreamers to explore STEM on a global level. Last week, several representatives of SDDC visited EIS to formally present the map, and receive a tour of the Institute.

We were amazed to see the caliber of educational tools that EIS students have access to, and the advanced programs they are undertaking. From second graders learning to operate 3D printers, to 10th and 11th grade girls becoming FAA certified drone pilots, EIS programs are opening doors to careers in STEM industries for San Diego youth.

Thank you to Executive Director, Jim Stone, for giving us a tour of the incredible community resource that is EIS. We are so excited to stay connected with EIS, and follow along as these future global leaders tap into their potential. We hope that the map now hanging in the EIS entry foyer encourages students to dream big and connect with the world around them!