Older Youth Program (Ages 13-17)

High School Science Program

The Commission on Science That Matters is an EIS science high school science program for students ages 14-17.

The high school program is comprised of four separate initiatives (see list below) to explore and recommend solutions around topics of Health, Energy, Water, Green Living and Sustainable Living in San Diego.

Program participants utilize the resources of San Diego's leading youth science center to address pressing real-life issues as they team up with leaders in the fields of science, research, business, and education.

Cost: Summer (July-August)- $25/week
Cost: Fall/Spring (September-May)- $25/month

Are you a high school student? Take an Initiative in Science...

The Lola & Walter Green Health Initiative

• Launched in June 2005.
• The goal of the Health Initiative participants was to become knowledgeable in healthy lifestyles, civic engagement, character education, and community service.
• Health Initiative participants addressed a variety of health topics including diabetes and heart disease.

The Rice Family Foundation Energy Initiative

• Launched in June 2007.
• Participants gathered knowledge of energy use, consumption, and how energy relates to their own health as well as the overall health of their environment and communities.
• Participants worked with local with organizations such as, American Honda Motor Company, San Diego EcoCenter, SDG&E Sempra Energy, San Diego Regional Energy Office, and UCSD's Center for Energy Research.

The Water Initiative

• Launched in July 2008.
• Participants explored and learned about conserving water, what a watershed is, what the water cycle is, and water policy in San Diego.
• Participants worked with the San Diego Water Authority, Groundworks San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, and the National Park Service. Students participated in water conservation research with the National Park Service in the Channel Islands.

The Green Living Initiative

• Launched in July 2009. This initiative is unique from the other 3 because it is a 5-year initiative.
• The first year 2009, participants began to study what it means to have green lifestyle, green alternatives for energy, conservation, and green legislation.
• Participants started this initiative off by attended Powershift 2009 in Washington DC and ended the with a research trip to Glacier National Park in Montana.
• The second year of Green Living focused on Healthy Living in San Diego. Participant visited and presented at local Farmer's Markets and Community Gardens.
• Participants finished up the year attending Powershift 2011 in Washington DC to present their Glacier National Park Climate Change research.
• The third year of Green Living focuses on Water and launched July 2011!

For more information about the Commission program, please contact EIS!