Small groups of elementary and high school students are expected to tackle big environmental issues next school year, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. The Student Creative Recycle Art Program (S.C.R.A.P.) Gallery plans to use the Coachella Valley Spotlight grant to develop “Kids Green Teams” at local schools, libraries and other community organizations throughout valley.
These student teams will develop a project focus for the school year, such as establishing a campus recycling program, auditing water use and waste, or creating a nature area. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery staff and volunteers will help each team develop goals, a timeline, and a plan to accomplish the project. Additional aspects of each school’s project may include inspiring other students to get involved, fundraising to support their project or making community presentations about their progress.
“Our hope is to truly inspire tomorrow’s leaders with these ‘Green Team’ projects,” said Karen Riley, Founder and Executive Director of the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery. “By educating students about environmental issues, and then putting the creation of solutions in their hands, we are empowering them to be a force for change.”
Founded in 1997, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery is a unique environmental art museum and engaging mobile program that delivers art and environmental education to children throughout the Coachella Valley. By using donated discarded materials, students of all ages learn about conservation, reuse and other environmental issues through hands-on exploration. Since its inception, more than 75,000 pounds of trash have been diverted from the landfill through the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery’s programs.
“The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery’s programs actively engage young people to be stewards of their environment, helping to improve our valley’s communities for all generations,” said Catharine Reed, Program Director for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.
“The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery gives the kids the tools, but the ideas and creations they have are their own. They are innovative, and it’s inspiring to see,” said Mike Stutz, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates CBS Local 2.
Along with the grant, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery was featured on CBS Local 2’s “Eye on the Desert,” in public service announcements and on the www.cbslocal2.com website throughout the month of July. To learn more about the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery call 760-861-6479 or go to www.scrapgallery.org.