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Science Buddies

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 943216541 ✦ Carmel, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Science Buddies?

Science Buddies is a nonprofit organization, based in Carmel, California, that provides students with personalized learning resources in science and technology. Their comprehensive online platform offers over 16,000 scientist-developed subject matters, including experiment-based content based on the latest academic research. The organization also encourages an online community of science professionals who volunteer to advise students. In addition, Science Buddies offers resources such as science kits and lesson plans to support parents and teachers in guiding students in hands-on science projects. During 2022, they reached an impressive 17 million individuals, equating to approximately 35% of the K-12 enrollment in the United States. Their primary mission is to help students from diverse backgrounds build their scientific literacy, aiming to foster productive and engaged citizens in the 21st century. With a team of 7 dedicated individuals, Science Buddies continues to promote and support science education.


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement (Two-Star out of Four Star rating)

Science Buddies has received a Two-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating that it requires improvement in certain areas. With an overall score of 73%, the organization demonstrates some strengths, particularly in having a fully independent board and a strong program expense ratio of 87.89%, suggesting that a significant portion of its funds is directed towards its mission-related activities.

However, the organization has notable limitations that contribute to its lower rating. A key area of concern is the absence of financial statements, which significantly impacts its accountability score. Additionally, Science Buddies lacks critical policies such as a whistleblower policy and document retention guidelines, which are essential for good governance and transparency. This shortfall, along with missing tax forms on the nonprofit's website, highlights the need for improvement in financial transparency and organizational policies.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Science Buddies?

96% of 6 reviewers on Facebook recommend Science Buddies. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Overall, there is a general satisfaction with the nonprofit's initiatives, particularly in promoting STEM education among children. Many appreciate the interactive nature of the projects and the resources provided for engaging learners. However, some users do express concerns regarding the heavy reliance on screen time due to the lack of physical manuals accompanying the kits.

A few reviewers noted that the absence of clear instructions made the assembly processes challenging, suggesting that the organization could enhance the user experience by including printed guides. Despite these critiques, the enthusiasm for the program's mission to inspire scientific curiosity is evident, and many feel positively about the educational value offered.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Science Buddies legitimate?

Science Buddies is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Science Buddies submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $721,339

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

What is the mission statement of Science Buddies?

Science Buddies' mission is to aid students from diverse backgrounds in enhancing their literacy in science and technology. By doing so, the organization aims to prepare them to become active and engaged citizens in the 21st century. To achieve this, Science Buddies offers personalized learning tools, a vast collection of scientist-developed subject matter (including experiment ideas based on recent academic research), and an online community of science professionals who provide advice to students. Furthermore, the platform provides resources such as science kits and lesson plans to support parents and teachers in guiding students in hands-on science projects. In 2022, Science Buddies reached 17 million individuals, equating to approximately 35% of the K-12 enrollment in the United States.


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

Who is the CEO of Science Buddies?

Kenneth L Hess is the President of Science Buddies.


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

What is the revenue of Science Buddies?

Science Buddies's revenue in 2022 was $1,048,625.


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

Who are the executives of Science Buddies and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Science Buddies during 2022 was $103,048. There are 7 employees and 235 volunteers at Science Buddies.


Here are 7 key members and their salaries:


Kenneth L Hess (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Connie Irish-Hess (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
M Lynn Brewer (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hugo Paz (Chief Sotware Arch)
  • Compensation: $193,455
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $13,150
Tina Lanese (Sr. Vice President)
  • Compensation: $147,063
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,489
Sandra Slutz (Vp Of Stem Education)
  • Compensation: $119,709
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Amy Cowen (Online Community Manager)
  • Compensation: $108,740
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,071


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Science Buddies?

Science Buddies's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.sciencebuddies.org

Learn more at the official website: www.sciencebuddies.org

Mission Statement of Science Buddies

Science Buddies, a nonprofit organization, is committed to assisting students from diverse backgrounds in enhancing their understanding of science and technology. Its mission is to foster the development of literacy in these fields among students, empowering them to become active and engaged citizens in the 21st century. The organization achieves this through its extensive online resources, which include over 16,000 pages of scientist-developed subject matter, experiments based on the latest academic research, and an online community of science professionals who volunteer to guide students. Science Buddies also provides resources such as science kits and lesson plans to support parents and teachers in guiding students in hands-on science projects. In 2022, Science Buddies reached 17 million individuals, representing approximately 35% of the K-12 enrollment in the United States.

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Impact




July, 2024

Science Buddies has made a significant impact by helping students from all walks of life build their literacy in science and technology. Through personalized learning tools, over 16,000 pages of scientist-developed subject matter, and an online community of science professionals who volunteer to advise students, Science Buddies has empowered individuals to engage with the latest academic research through hands-on experiments. In 2022 alone, Science Buddies reached 17 million individuals, equivalent to approximately 35% of K-12 enrollment in the United States. By providing resources such as science kits and lesson plans to support parents and teachers, Science Buddies is advancing its mission to cultivate productive and engaged citizens in the 21st century.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Science Buddies. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$1,048,625 (2022)
Expenses
$1,071,834 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $4,995
  • Program Service Revenue: $21,866
  • Gross Receipts: $1,048,625

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $957,365
  • Total Liabilities: $132,994
  • Net Assets: $824,371

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

OTHER EARNED INCOME

Revenue

$12,000

LICENSING

Revenue

$9,866

Organization Details

Founding Year

1994

Principal Officer

Kenneth L Hess

Main Address

PO BOX 5038, CARMEL, CA, 93921

NTEE Category

Code: T99Z - Philanthropy

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