Samantha Wynns always knew she wanted to leave a legacy in conservation – one that would not only make a difference for the environment but for the people who could help solve its biggest challenges.
As a conservation biologist, she understood that to tackle the pressing issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, more voices needed to be brought to the table.
“Diversity in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] is really important to solve scientific problems,” she explains. “We wanted to make sure that we were showing that those voices are needed, and that there is a space for them – they belong here.”
This belief drove her to join EcoLogik, a nonprofit designed to connect the next generation of young people – especially young women and other gender-marginalized youth – with nature, technology and the world of science.
Inspiring Future STEM Leaders
As the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Samantha’s goal is to empower the youth to feel like they belong in the STEM field. Just getting students excited about science wasn’t enough – especially when the National Science Foundation reports only 18% of women in the U.S. work in STEM.
“We wanted to build something that actually supports them — something that helps them succeed in the world of STEM,” she says.
That’s where the Leadership Academy came in. It provides ongoing support to students, helping them thrive in STEM fields as they navigate school and beyond.
All of EcoLogik’s programs introduce students to the world of scientific research, develop innovative science communication and give them tools to work together as a collective.
Since its start, EcoLogik has connected more than 8,200 community members to scientific and conservation themes through public programs. With over 450 young explorers engaged in hands-on learning, EcoLogik is creating lasting impact.
And through a mentorship network of 150 female STEM professionals, the Academy ensures students have the guidance they need to succeed. Kiana Lee, a recent graduate of the apprenticeship program is a testament to that success.
“Growing up, I always felt like I wasn’t super involved in STEM because of my disability,” she says. “But the camp and apprenticeship program were so welcoming and gave me the opportunities to get involved with science in ways I didn’t know I could.”
Kiana now serves as the organization’s Accessibility Intern and hopes to pass along the lessons she’s learned to more young people in the future.
Expanding Access to STEM & the Outdoors
Science, technology and the outdoors are always equally accessible to all.
Brooke Wilder, a Program Manager at EcoLogik, recognizes there are barriers keeping people from discovering their true potential in STEM.
“One of the biggest barriers into STEM isn’t really a lack of passion,” she says. “A lot of times it’s a lack of knowledge or a lack of access to the different things you need.”
According to Samantha, part of that means providing students with the tools and gear they need to succeed in STEM.
“Many of these youth that we serve do not have access to appropriate footwear or anything they might need to really enjoy an extended period outdoors,” she says.
“Being able to give them high quality gear that they can grow with over the years and take out on many adventures as they explore nature I think is really, really essential.”
San Diego Foundation has been a key partner in this effort, supporting EcoLogik through multiple Opening the Outdoors grants. In addition, they’ve provided high-quality backpacks to EcoLogik apprenticeship program graduates, helping these students feel prepared and confident as they take the next step in their educational journey.
“San Diego Foundation has been really instrumental in helping us grow from beyond just one summer camp to this whole institute with this continuum of support,” Sam says. “We’re very grateful for that partnership.”
About Opening the Outdoors
Nature is not an amenity but a necessity for the well-being of all San Diegans. However, many local communities lack critical access to parks and green space, as shown in the San Diego Foundation Parks for Everyone 2020 report. Equitable access to parks and green space is more important than ever before to ensure every San Diegan has a strong quality of life.
Since 2010, the Opening the Outdoors Program has connected, protected and increased equitable access to the outdoors across the county by supporting 90 local nonprofit organizations and helping 75,000-plus San Diegans access the outdoors.
Fifty & Forward
EcoLogik Institute is also one of many nonprofits we are supporting through the SDF Fifty & Forward Campaign, the most ambitious undertaking in our 50-year history.
With your help, we will grant $500 million to realize our region’s greatest opportunities in three key areas: education, children and families, and the environment — and raise $1 billion to help shape our community’s future.
Fifty & Forward is an opportunity to partner with us to amplify your giving and help make a transformational change for the issues you care about most – and the issues that mean the most to our community.
