Youth Science Institute

The mission of the Youth Science Institute (YSI) is to inspire enthusiasm for science and a love of learning. They do this through offering hands-on, inquiry-based, science education programs. YSI teaches physical, earth, life, and social sciences to pre-school through 8th-grade students throughout Santa Clara County and Silicon Valley. 95% of the children served come to YSI with their classroom teacher. Increasing the number of Title I schools and financially and academically at-risk students served is a priority for YSI. By offering no-cost programs to Title I students, YSI strives to reduce the performance gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children.

YSI programs take place in local parks, schools, and at community events. They maintain three park-based Science & Nature Centers as well as a native plant trail at Vasona Lake County Park, an organic garden at Sanborn County Park, and a raptor aviary at Alum Rock Park. We believe in the mission set forth by YSI and are proud to contribute to their programs that reach approximately 32,000 children each year.