Vida Verde
“The staff and board of Sand Hill Foundation have been collaborators and mentors of Vida Verde for years, providing support beyond the dollars, advising and mentoring us every step of the way.” — Laura Sears, Co-Founder and Director of Development
In the nature-rich San Francisco Bay Area, many lower-income students do not have the opportunity to spend immersive time in nature, let alone participate in multi-day environmental education programs. Teachers in underserved schools often face a lack of resources, limited parental engagement, and overwork, making it extremely difficult for them to plan and fund field trips outside the classroom.
Since 2001, Vida Verde has been nurturing Bay Area elementary/middle school students’ academic performance, social and emotional learning, and connection to the outdoors by providing free, overnight environmental learning experiences for students who don’t otherwise get the opportunity. Each class trip is an activity-packed experience at the 100-acre site and farm, and nearby state parks and beaches on the San Mateo County coastside. Participating teachers report that the three-day trip, packed with activities that address California state educational standards, has resulted in 89% improvement in students’ classroom learning and 95% improvement in personal responsibility and teamwork.
Sand Hill Foundation has funded Vida Verde’s programs since 2010. In 2015, when Vida Verde launched its campaign to build a permanent home in San Gregorio, Sand Hill Foundation stepped up with an early capital gift to purchase land and build a new learning barn, along with ongoing operating support.
