The Wisdom Project Summer Field Science Camp

The Wisdom Project is the Native youth leadership initiative developed by Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. that provides Native youth and families from the greater Portland area with hands-on outdoor conservation restoration and service learning activities. The Wisdom Project projects and activities focus upon regional environmental and climate issues and include Wisdom’s Native Saturday Science Academies, Summer Field Science Camps, Film Screenings, Native Peer Mentorships, and Wisdom Gardens.

Dissolved OxygenWater Testing Lab Supplies      Water Testing

 

Wisdom is continuing to adapt our educational model to develop culturally tailored multimedia STEM curriculum that is compatible with Native American learning styles. It integrates best practices curriculum from EPA, NASA, NOAA and Portland’s Climate Action Plan with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of Northwest tribal elders, scientists and cultural leaders. Highlighting Native Americans as America’s “First Scientists,” the lesson plans strengthen student cultural identity and resiliency factors and encourage Native youth to pursue career pathway planning in STEM fields.

Partners include Beaverton School District Title VII Indian Education Program, Native American Youth and Family Center, Northwest Indian College, Portland State University Graduate School of Education, Portland Community Media TV, Ecotrust, United Nations University’s Regional Center of Expertise.

Funding for The Wisdom Project has been provided by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Metro, Oregon Community Foundation, The Collins Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission, Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Running Strong for American Indian Youth, Portland Watershed Stewardship Program, Gray Family Foundation, Black United Fund of Oregon and Diack Foundation.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation     NEA_LogoColor-824x1024     Metro_blue_for_Web

collins logo     OCF Logo

Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission

Running Strong Logo     BUFO Logo     diack logo

East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District     City of Portland Community Watershed Stewardship Program     Gray Family Foundation     City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability