Our Summer 2010 Partners
This summer, ICP is proud to work with 3 strong community partners to empower young people to solve problems, build valuable life skills, reflect critically about their role in society, and pave the way for success in high school and beyond. Through ICP's sub grantees, Summer of Service programs will impact nearly 600 students and 7 communities in Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington State and the District of Columbia Metro area.
The ManaTEENS program is operated by Hands On Manatee and promotes youth voice and volunteerism. Participants will assist coral reef restoration, monitor the nesting habitats of endangered turtles, and remove debris from the delicate ecosystems in and around the Gulf of Mexico. Adraine McKell is the Executive Director of Hands On Manatee and is excited about this summer’s program and the organization’s partnership with ICP. “Hands On Manatee’s partnership with ICP will allow young people in Manatee County to have opportunities to become decision makers and environmental stewards,” she said. “The SOS program is making the Tampa Bay an even greater place to live.” ManaTEENS will engage 180 rising 6-8th graders in Bradenton, FL.
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado and led by Lisa Bardwell, Earth Force is a national organization that engages young people as active citizens and empowers them to improve the environment and their communities. This summer, the organization will engage 294 rising 6-9th graders in Denver, CO; Belen, NM; Washington, DC; and Erie and Philadelphia, PA. Young people in Earth Force’s programs will design service projects in areas such as energy conservation, nonpoint source pollution, and creating “greener” schools. Bardwell believes in teaching about environmental issues and encouraging young people to practice civic engagement around environmental issues that impact their community. “SOS is an incredible opportunity,” she said. “It’s such an honor to be included as one of the partners working with Innovations in Civic Participation and we look forward to sharing and celebrating the power of young people to transform their communities.”
The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department’s Teen Programming Unit will engage 120 rising 7-9th graders in restoring and maintaining green spaces in Seattle public parks using various methods including invasive plant removal, installing weed suppression, and tree planting. Ron Mirabueno is a Recreation Specialist for the Seattle Parks Department and is excited for their SOS program to start. “SOS will cultivate and showcase our young people as assets in our community, encouraging altruistic values, promoting long-term academic attainment and stewardship of our communities and environment.”