To:   HONORABLE MAYOR AND                   From:   Sara L. Hensley

                        CITY COUNCIL

 

   Subject:   COMMENDATION FOR                         Date:   10-06-03

                        YOUTH SCIENCE INSTITUTE

 

 

CEREMONIAL ITEM

 

The Youth Science Institute at Alum Rock Park is celebrating 50 years of providing science education to the youth of the Santa Clara Valley.  In 1953, community leaders identified a need to provide and enrich the natural history and science education in local schools and the community.  The Youth Science Institute opened the doors of the Alum Rock Center to the public in November 15, 1953, to meet this need. 

 

Over the last 50 years, over 2.3 million people have visited the Youth Science Institute’s Alum Rock Center and enjoyed its science museum specializing in the local environment around Alum Rock Park.  During this past half century, the Youth Science Institute also implemented a number of opportunities that benefited the public such as a wildlife rehabilitation program, opened new branch programs at Vasona and Sanborn-Skyline County parks, developed hands-on science curriculum for elementary grades, and started the Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) program to work with “at risk” children to build self esteem and leadership skills.  In addition, the Alum Rock Center was remodeled and expanded; developed special programs to serve homeless children by offering backpacking trips that provided first time exposure to wilderness areas; and on October 12, 2002, the Youth Science Institute hosted the 15th annual family oriented Wildlife Festival at Alum Rock Park.  The Wildlife Festival featured science and nature education through hands-on activities, interpretive exhibits, and presentations.

 

The Youth Science Institute is to be commended for its longstanding contributions to the citizens of San José and Santa Clara County, and for the considerable benefits that it has provided to the visitors of Alum Rock Park.  We look forward to collaborating with the Youth Science Institute for the next 50 years!

 

 

SARA L. HENSLEY

Director of Parks, Recreation and

Neighborhood Services

 

WHEREAS, the Youth Science Institute was formed in 1953 to provide science education to the youth of Santa Clara Valley; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the Youth Science Institute is dedicated to increasing the scientific understanding of the delicate interrelationships between people and the natural world; and

 

WHEREAS, the Youth Science Institute has operated under agreement the Alum Rock Nature Center continuously for 50 years, providing the public with nature displays, school programs, nature hikes, and science camps; and

 

WHEREAS, the Youth Science Institute hosts the annual Wildlife Festival in Alum Rock Park; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of San José recognizes that the continued operation of the Alum Rock Nature Center by the Youth Science Institute is desirable for the health, education, and welfare of the people of San José;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron Gonzales, Mayor of the City of San José, and the City Council, do hereby commend all staff and the Youth Science Institute for their longstanding contributions to the citizens of San José and Santa Clara County, and for the immeasurable benefits that it has provided to the visitors of Alum Rock Park over the last fifty years.