Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Splash. From being honored as Nonprofit of the Year by CA Assembly Member Josh Hoover to our CEO, Mackenzie Wieser, receiving the Outstanding Women in Business Leader Award from NAWBO, our achievements highlight a year of dedicated service and visionary leadership. The sky’s the limit for what’s in store for Splash and its community in 2024-2025!
A Year of Remarkable Impact
Our mission to help children understand and value the natural world has succeeded incredibly. Here’s a snapshot of our achievements:
YELC: Our CEO’s “brainchild,” backed by 18+ partners, 2023 campers volunteered 85+ hours and raised over $500 for environmental causes. By June 2024, 147 kids completed 11 weeks of this immersive camp. We also had 124 applications for 60 spots for last season.
“This camp was the most memorable of all I went to! Studying salmon fry while swimming was a highlight.” – JC, camper
Vernal Pools: We partnered with 102 classes, delivering an engaging science curriculum and a memorable field trip to the Vernal Pools.
“My students felt ownership over what they learned. Thank you for creating and maintaining this amazing program.” – Ms. Ellison, Earl Legette Elementary School
Project AWE: This program delighted nearly 7,000 students from 226 classes across 43 schools with hands-on learning, costumed docents, and adorable farm animals. Our additions include student-led planting and more animals—3 Nigerian dwarf goats, one mini donkey, and many chickens.
“I touched a worm for the first time and learned so much more!” – Student
Splash in the Class (SITC): Teachers love our SITC presentations, introducing students to watershed science and pollution prevention. This year, we reached 6,153 students across 229 classes, delivering nearly 250 hours of engaging content. With a new presenter, we’re making a splash in water education!
“I enjoyed learning how to keep our rivers safe and discovering the creatures that live in the water!” – Student.
Impressive Results
Our programs delivered stellar results: IVP students saw a 91% average score increase, SITC students improved by 50%, and Project AWE’s 2nd graders achieved a 74% boost. YELC maintained a 6.3% increase, with 100% of teachers recommending our programs.
Eagle Scout & Volunteer Projects
A huge thank you to our volunteers! Mather Vernal Pools saw nine platforms built with help from Kiwanis, BSA Scouts, and Sacramento County. At Nicolaus Dairy, an Eagle Scout from Elk Grove created pollinator beds, trellises, and greenhouses. A Sacramento Eagle Scout established a Turtle Pond at Splash Center, giving our turtles a sunny spot.
Looking Forward
As we close this fiscal year, we’re grateful for your support and excited for the future. In the coming year, we aim to reach new donors for Project AWE and pilot a new program for home/charter schools focused on native plants and habitat restoration.
“Thank you for being a part of our journey. Splash aims to be seen as the expert voice in Sacramento for advocating for youth when it comes to outdoor education experiences.” – CEO Mackenzie Wieser
Click here to read the full report.