A first-hand look at the impact of local philanthropy

Students from Norwich have their first sailing experience last week as part of the New England Science and Sailing partnership with Norwich Public Schools. (Deb Battit/CFECT)

Over the past two weeks, we checked in with several of our grantees and got a great look at some of the experiential learning happening throughout the region, all made possible by generous donors through Community Foundation grants.

This week, we visited the Connecticut Audubon Society Science in Nature Education program in Pomfret, where fourth graders from Samuel Huntington Elementary School in Norwich participated in an “Owl Prowl.” A $10,000 Norwich Youth grant brought this field-based, outdoor educational program aimed at strengthening the student's scientific knowledge and skills, and increasing their conservation awareness. (Deb Battit/CFECT)

At High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme, local youth develop confidence, communications skills and self-esteem by interacting and developing relationships with horses. (Maryam Elahi/CFECT)

Exposure to local marine environments and creatures and working side-by-side with professional marine scientists are some of the experiential learning opportunities offered by Project Oceanology in Groton. (Maryam Elahi/CFECT)

Two students at West Side Middle School in Groton chat during a Safe Futures class held at the school last week on healthy relationships. (Maryam Elahi/CFECT)