Science learning center in the running for Pepsi prize

FREEPORT- Pepsi is putting their money where their mouths are by helping raise money for Gulf states affected by the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill through their Pepsi Refresh for the Gulf project.

The basic philosophy behind Pepsi’s campaign is that the oil spill disaster represents an economic and cultural crisis, as well as the obvious environmental crisis.

Pepsi will be providing $1.3 million through the funding of special projects and initiatives launched by a variety of different area individuals, groups and companies.

From July 12 through July 16, applications were accepted until 1,000 ideas were received and approved. In order for an idea to be approved, it must have a “clearly outlined benefit for Gulf region communities.”

Four different grants will be rewarded. The smallest prize, $5,000 is meant mainly for individuals who need a little boost to implement their plans. Individuals and small groups can be awarded $25,000, and companies and organizations with enough time to dedicate to the project can receive $50,000. Up to ten awardees will be chosen for each of these three grants. The largest grant, $250,000 is reserved for organizations with a lot of time to dedicate to the project. One environmental center in particular is running for this top prize, of which two will be rewarded.

The E.O Wilson Biophilia Center (Nokuse Education), opened last September, is currently ranked #18. They are one of the 273 groups running for the top two prizes.

The Center, which is located in the Longleaf Pine ecosystem in Freeport, provides multi-faceted lessons about topics like biodiversity, conservation and preservation for students in the 4^th, 7^th and 10^th grade around the Florida Panhandle. They teach an average of 140 students throughout Walton, Bay, Okaloosa, Holmes, and Leon counties during any given school day. Participating students also get involved in their community in several ways, including writing letters to officials and participating in trash pickup and tree planting projects.

“Last year we had 4000 students come through our center, said Christy Scally, director at the Center. “This year we have over 5000 on our books.”

The Center’s use of exhibits, nature hikes and experiments allow students to learn about science outside the classroom.

“They come out here and go out in the field and do their math and science, for example, they will learn about geometry by measuring the height of a tree,” said Scally. “It’s like they are learning through osmosis and it is very rewarding to see their eyes light up.”

Scally hopes that winning the top prize will allow for the Center to expand its project and eventually become open to the public.

“We want to give students the tools so they can make more informed decisions in the future,” she said. “These students will become our next leaders, if they have the information about the environment that they can learn here; I think the world will benefit that much more.”

Voting for the Pepsi Refresh for the Gulf project will take place through August 31. The Center’s direct voting link is http://gulf.refresheverything.com/educatetomorrowsleaders.