! 2009 Mount Rainier NP and Pack Forest initiate MRI proposal

! 2012 MOU created to develop the MRI ! Fall 2012

•  Planning team forms and begins work •  Mission, Vision, Values established

! Vision: A diverse community of ecologically-literate people inspired by the natural world and motivated to be stewards.

! Mission: Provide outstanding nature-based education experiences that are rooted in science and nurture the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders.

! Winter 2012-13 •  Market Analysis

Begins •  First Business plan

completed ! Spring 2013

•  Focus Groups •  Secured funding for

pilot programs

! 47 School Districts •  185,000 students 4th-12th

grade •  243,000 including Seattle •  50,000 are being served by

other organizations " Not all within that radius "  Includes independent schools.

! Mount Rainier Institute’s Goal-700 students in the first year

! 69 teachers participated in focus groups •  34 different schools •  14 different districts

! Follow-up survey •  79% were “VERY

Interested” •  19% were “Interested”

! Most important outcomes •  Participate in hands on science

activities •  Develop a connection to nature •  Increase enthusiasm for learning

! Most Significant barriers •  Lack of funding •  Difficulty finding capable chaperones •  Other student commitments

! Summer 2013 •  Curriculum Development •  Teacher Retreat

! Fall 2013 •  Pilot programs! •  Pilot 2

! Winter 2013-2014 •  Grant writing •  Marketing

! Spring 2014 •  Recruitment

!  Content •  Science focus (STEM) •  Natural History, outdoor

recreation, natural resource management

•  National Park Service Interpretive Themes

•  Interdisciplinary (social studies, arts, etc.)

•  Connected EALRs & NGSS (i.e. Standards based)

!  Initial Target Audiences •  Middle School •  Underrepresented groups

!  Immersion

video Brochure

! Bryant 1 –Tacoma- September 15 ! Bryant 2 –Tacoma- September 22 ! Sequoyah–Federal Way- October 6 ! Lakota-Federal Way-October 13 ! Wilson MS-Yakima-October 20 ! Jason Lee-Tacoma-October 27 ! Eatonville & Charles Wright-November 3

! 355 Participants-(340 projected) •  One school postponed until spring •  2 programs (90 Students were day programs)

! 6 schools served-4 districts

!  61% Average Free & Reduced lunch

!  50% non-Caucasian

! Washington MS-Yakima ! Lakes HS-Clover Park ! Highline HS-Highline ! Three Rivers Home Link ! Charles Wright ! Madison MS-Seattle ! Royal MS-Royal City ! Lakota MS-Federal Way ! Baker MS-Tacoma

“My biggest concern is scheduling a date, signing a contract and then not being able to fund the trip. I will be very interested in hearing how we can make this all happen.”- Teacher at Washington MS-Yakima