The mission of the Walden West Science Center is to immerse students
in the world of science and inspire environmental stewardship. Our goals are to:
- Provide a residential science camp experience for 5th and 6th grade
students.
- Build an environmentally sustainable science teaching center for use by
all students, teachers and families throughout Santa Clara County.
- Teach half and full-day science programs addressing physical, life, and
earth sciences for K-12 students by the year 2011.
- Provide non-residential K-12 program opportunities for those unable to
attend due to cost.
- Develop collaborative science mentorship programs with leading Silicon
Valley companies and educational institutions.
- Prepare students for continuing environmental stewardship in their
communities through programs such as Windows to our Watershed, Growing Gardens
for Growing Minds, and Eco Action projects at school and at home.
- Provide a setting that encourages personal growth, emotional maturity and
respect for others across all demographic backgrounds.
WALDEN WEST FOUNDATION MISSION AND GOALS
The Walden West Foundation was established in 1996 with a mission to inspire
enthusiasm, passion, and respect for nature, science and the environment by
expanding upon the opportunities provided by the Walden West Center.
Goals:
- Expand learning opportunities currently being offered by the Walden West
Science Center to accommodate the diverse population of Santa Clara County
- Create and operate a Science and Sustainability Center that provides
learning opportunities for all Santa Clara County residents
- Establish a fund to provide for expenditures consistent with the goals
of the Walden West Science Center, including, but not limited to, student
scholarships, facility maintenance, and necessary equipment
- Provide funds for capital improvements and supplemental programs at
Walden West Center
LONG-RANGE BUILDING AND RENOVATION PROGRAM
Completed Goals 2001-2007
- Construct an on-site swimming pool facility.
- Complete site improvements at Walden West's Saratoga site:
- Construct two buildings housing two cabins each with bathrooms and
showers.
- Construct a multi-purpose lodge facility complete with offices, kitchen,
cafeteria, and inside amphitheatre.
Long-range Goals 2008-2016
- Construct environmentally friendly science lab that will provide space to
teach all students K-12 during half and full-day sessions.
- Construct six buildings housing two cabins each with bathrooms and
showers.
Who is involved: The Santa Clara County Office of Education's Walden West
Outdoor School has provided over 400,000 students with the opportunity to learn
about science in the "great outdoors" for over 50 years. Along with the Walden
West Foundation Board of Directors, the County Office of Education strives to
broaden its reach to all 5th and 6th grade children in our community.
How to get involved: The Walden West Foundation is seeking funding to assist
in fulfilling our goals. We also welcome individuals who are committed to
educating the children of our community, particularly in the field of natural
science, to become a Walden West supporter.
For information please email Anita Parsons at
anita_parsons@sccoe.org or call Walden West Center at
(408) 573-3050. Our tax identification is #77-0450789
