Fostering Science

This program introduces youth in care (YIC) to the joys of doing science. It is designed and run by a group of scientists who are passionate about science and about young people. We recognize that youth in care, whether that's foster care, a group home, the home of a relative, or a shelter, face extra obstacles in becoming involved in science and in participating in summer camps in general, so we developed a program especially for them.

Fostering Science Video

Who leads this program?

The Program Director, Dr. Christa Mulder, and the Co-Director, Dr. Katie Spellman, are biologists with experience in science education and working with vulnerable youth. In designing this program they collaborated with four additional instructors with a wide range of expertise in science and working with youth. To find out more about the instructors, click here. We also consulted extensively with our "Advisory Board", a group that includes people from social service agencies, youth advocates, and foster parents. If you have ideas, questions, or concerns, please contact Christa.

Who funds this program?

Primary funding comes from the National Science Foundation, as part of a grant to the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research Site (BNZ-LTER). We also receive some instructor support from UAF Cooperative Extension's 4-H program and a NASA grant. This support is sufficient to sustain a small program for five years; we anticipate applying for grants to expand our program in the future.

Summer Camp 2018: Bonanza Creek Science Adventure Camp (June 4-9, 2018)

Sign-up for the 2018 camp is now open! Click the "2018 camp" tab at the top of this page for more information and to sign up. The camp runs is free and we provide transportation to those who need it.

Questions? Contact Christa Mulder at cpmulder@alaska.edu or 907-474-7703