Leahy Center For Lake Champlain Inc

The Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Inc, often referred to as ECHO, is dedicated to inspiring and engaging families in the joy of scientific discovery, the wonder of nature, and the care of Lake Champlain. This nonprofit organization aims to encourage visitors to view their natural environment as an integral part of their neighborhood and to explore, learn, and consider opportunities for stewardship. Since its inception in 1995, ECHO has taught over 3 million visitors about the role of science in our culture and lives. The center provides a variety of interactive experiences, including over 100 family exhibits, 70 live species, seasonal changing exhibits, and an immersive 3D theater, all designed to engage visitors of all ages. ECHO's mission is further supported by its commitment to breaking down barriers, ensuring that all visitors can experience the museum.

The Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Inc also prioritizes education and outreach programs. For instance, their Animal Care Program promotes environmental stewardship and ecology by connecting the public to native species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. ECHO Early Learning engages new American, refugee, and underserved populations to prepare children for transition to formal kindergarten, providing play-based learning opportunities for both children and caregivers. The organization's Statewide STEM Outreach project aims to grow the capacity of rural Vermont schools that lack science specialists to deliver high-quality STEM opportunities to low-resource students.

In addition to its public programs, ECHO offers teacher training and a teen leadership program. The Teacher Institute supports STEM learning, providing teachers with professional development training on timely topics and ongoing curriculum and instructional coaching. The E-Team is a year-long teen leadership program that inspires high school students to develop career skills in leadership, goal setting, social justice, public speaking, science communication, financial literacy, and teamwork.

The Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Inc is also committed to social justice. Their Open Door Program strives to make the science center accessible for all, partnering with over 70 social service agencies to provide free or significantly reduced admission to over 33,000 individuals and 3,500 complimentary memberships. By working with this extensive network of partners, ECHO reaches out to low-resource families, new Americans, and underserved residents in the area, focusing on everything from children's spaces for their youngest community members to active military service families.

In conclusion, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Inc, or ECHO, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring scientific discovery, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing inclusive and accessible education and outreach programs. Through its various programs and initiatives, ECHO seeks to engage families, students, and the community in the joy of learning and the care of Lake Champlain.