NEWS RELEASE

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is pleased to announce a $20,000 grant from Quail Valley Charities (QVC) and a $9,000 grant from Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program (GHCOP) in support of its programs for local at-risk youth, and its overall mission to connect people to the natural environment.

The Quail Valley Charities funds will sponsor the STEAM Immersion in Nature program, mentoring middle-school girls in STEAM career opportunities. The program’s focus during summer of 2019 will be building applications of marine technology and engineering. Funds from the Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program will provide paid summer internships for high school students to explore environmental careers. Martha Redner, executive director of Quail Valley Charities said, “It’s a pleasure to partner with the ELC because of the quality of their programs.  We can count on ELC to be a part of inspiring the next generation, who care about other people and our environment.”

Since 2001, Quail Valley Charities has dedicated their funding to non-profit organizations and programs in Indian River County, focusing solely on children and education. To date, QVC has donated over $6.6 million to non-profit children and education organizations within Indian River County.

Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of groups and individuals in Indian River County. Since its founding in 2001, Grand Harbor Outreach has raised and distributed nearly $4 million into the local community to help in the areas of education, health, jobs and human services. Their focus is on providing hope and help to our neighbors in need so they can lift themselves out of poverty.

The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre 501(c)(3) not-for-profit nature center. Its mission is to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being. The ELC serves the community through school field trips, camps, lecture series, professional development and more. Our campus includes native plant gardens, boardwalks, kayaks, canoes, a pontoon boat, children’s play area and many other amenities that help increase access to nature for people of all ages.