Headwaters Science Institute

10/16/2026

Science isn’t just something you learn in a classroom. It’s something you DO!

With Headwaters Science Institute’s Winter Research Experience, high school students can take their curiosity to the next level by working alongside professional scientists to explore questions they’re passionate about and make discoveries of their own.

From developing a research question to analyzing data and sharing findings, students gain hands-on experience with the scientific process and skills that can set them apart in college applications and beyond.

Ready to take the first step toward becoming a researcher?

Registration is OPEN for our Winter Research Experience, starting January 11!
https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/headwaterssi/9D4F66670EC94481BB5FE8D74CA22AFD?source=direct

We are a science education non-profit specializing in creating engaging scientific research programs

10/14/2026

Spend Veterans Day building your science skills!

Looking for a way to get ahead on college applications while doing something meaningful? Join Headwaters Science Institute for our Sacramento STEM Field Day on November 11!

Designed for middle and high school students, this special Veterans Day experience is just $20 per student!

Students will get outside, explore the natural world, and build real-world STEM skills through hands-on scientific research, observation, and data collection. It's a great opportunity to gain research experience, explore an interest in science, and add a unique educational experience to your college application!

Date: November 11 (Veterans Day)
Location: Discovery Park in Sacramento
Who: Middle and high school students
Cost: Just $20 per student!

Give your student the chance to think like a scientist, ask questions, and discover something new!

Register today and reserve your spot!
https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/headwaterssi/C2B85631C24B4BD0A8459D7EDEA31786?source=direct

We are a science education non-profit specializing in creating engaging scientific research programs

10/08/2026

A great day of science at Donner Memorial State Park!

We welcomed 10 Forest Charter students in grades 2–4 for a hands-on field day exploring the scientific method and conducting their own research projects!

Our young scientists spent the morning collecting data in the forest to investigate relationships between tree moisture, soil moisture, bugs, temperature, and proximity to trees. After lunch, we traded data collection for exploration with a nature walk and nature bingo scavenger hunt!

We loved seeing their curiosity and excitement throughout the day!

A special thank you to Truckee Tahoe Lumber and Alpenglow Sports for helping fund this program and supporting hands-on science opportunities for local students!

10/01/2026

What an incredible three days with Sequoia High School!

We welcomed 19 Integrated Biology students to Clair Tappaan Lodge for a 3-day, 2-night overnight research program filled with science, exploration, creativity, and plenty of time outside.

Working in small groups, students took their own ecology research projects through the entire scientific process,from developing a question and hypothesis to designing an investigation, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting their findings to their classmates. Their projects explored everything from lichen and trees to arthropods, soil nutrients, water quality, and macroinvertebrates!

The science didn’t stop when the research day ended. Students explored the forest during a nature scavenger hunt, learned about the constellations (and even spotted a shooting star!), created Andy Goldsworthy-inspired nature art, and wrapped up their final evening with s’mores and songs around the campfire.

These students were focused, curious, enthusiastic, and an absolute joy to work with. Thank you, Sequoia High School, for spending a few days in the mountains with us, we hope to see you back at Headwaters again!

09/29/2026

What if you could conduct your own scientific research before you even graduate high school?

Registration is NOW OPEN for Headwaters Science Institute’s Winter Research Experience!

Starting January 11, students will:
Work one-on-one with a professional scientist mentor.
Design and conduct their own original research project.
Collect, analyze, and interpret real data.
Write a scientific manuscript.
Get the opportunity to have their research published.
Present their findings and build valuable skills for college and beyond.

This online program gives high school students the opportunity to experience what it’s really like to be a researcher, all while earning meaningful experience they can showcase on college applications and scholarship applications.

Learn More: https://headwatersscienceinstitute.org/headwaters-research-experience/

09/24/2026

We just completed our first Bay Area program of the 2026–27 school year this week!

We worked with 10 AP Environmental Science students from Head-Royce on a four-day research experience.

Students met in Marin Headlands to collect data around Rodeo Lagoon and the surrounding area, putting their scientific skills into practice through hands-on field research. They then analyzed the data and presented their findings!

Highlights included beautiful weather, five river otters, dragonfly larvae, and so much more!

Interested in booking a program for your students in the Bay Area? Reach out to our Bay Area Program Manager, MK, at [email protected].

09/19/2026

Headwaters Science Institute's Winter Headwaters Research Experience registration is now open! Financial assistance applications close on December 1st.

For high schoolers (grades 9–12), the Remote Research Experience pairs students with a professional scientist mentor to conduct original research on a topic of their choosing. From ecology and animal behavior to climate change and water quality, students investigate whatever scientific question they find most compelling. Following the summer, students have the unique opportunity to publish their findings (and stand out on college applications).

Research Experience dates:
January 11 - April 5, Tuesday evenings on Google Meet

Registration Link: https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/headwaterssi/9D4F66670EC94481BB5FE8D74CA22AFD?source=direct

Financial Assistance Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf58cj7UPXmYaJU2t-R6Clc5llIdmT8liXayNSXy1ms_lLUKA/viewform

09/18/2026

What if every student had the opportunity to see themselves as a scientist?

At Headwaters Science Institute, we’re working to make that possible.

More than 75% of the students we serve attend low-income schools, where access to hands-on science experiences can be limited. Your support helps us bring real-world, student-driven science into classrooms across the Bay Area and provide summer and Saturday STEM programs beyond the school day.

Our programs are made possible through the generosity of donors and grantors who believe every child deserves the chance to discover, explore, ask questions, and investigate the world around them.

Help us reach more students this school year.

Every donation makes a difference and helps keep programs low-cost or free for schools that need them most.

https://givebutter.com/2026-back-to-school-fundraiser-2tvkk1

09/16/2026

This summer, our Headwaters campers explored the outdoors and asked meaningful questions about the world around them. Through science crafts, interactive lessons, and field research trips, campers discovered that we are all scientists!

“As a science mentor, seeing kids have fun and be excited to learn new things is extremely rewarding. From the materials used in class projects to real-world science tools used in the field, these impactful experiences would not be possible without the generous donations from our donors. We are truly grateful for your support!” — Michelle, Summer Camp Mentor

Programs like our Summer Camps rely on donations and grants to provide hands-on science experiences for students. Your support helps make these opportunities possible and ensures more students can experience the excitement of doing real science.

Support our Back to School Fundraiser and help provide scholarships and program assistance for students this year.

https://givebutter.com/2026-back-to-school-fundraiser-2tvkk1

09/14/2026

Help make hands-on science accessible to every student!

Our Back-to-School Fundraiser is raising funds to provide scholarships for Headwaters Research Experiences and financial assistance for school programs. Your support helps ensure that a student’s zip code or a school’s budget doesn’t determine whether they get the opportunity to explore, ask questions, collect real data, and experience science for themselves.

Give today and help open the door to a research experience for a student who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

https://givebutter.com/2026-back-to-school-fundraiser-2tvkk1