Section 2: Starting a Program

Need for a Champion

The most important component for starting a SeaPerch program is a committed champion willing to take on the challenge and advocate for the program. If you are reading this Guide, chances are that the champion is you! Keep reading to learn more about what else you will need to have your SeaPerch program up and running in no time.

Explaining SeaPerch and your goals to administrators, funders, parents, policymakers, or other stakeholders who are unfamiliar with the program? Visual aids can be powerful, effective ways to get your message across, achieve faster buy-in, and start your build sooner. As the saying goes, “A picture (or video!) is worth 1,000 words.” View our Flickr album for pictures from past International SeaPerch Challenges.

Speaking of funding and funders...

Amid shrinking (or even vanishing) budgets, we are often asked how to secure funding to start or sustain a SeaPerch program. In response, we have developed some ideas* for finding or raising funding on your own.

*These suggestions are provided only as a resource and are not intended as a commitment to, partnership with, or endorsement of these organizations.

Grants

Conduct an Internet search for “STEM grants,” “STEM funding,” or “STEM Education” along with the name of your state. A site that routinely popped up in our research is http://stemgrants.com/. Among other things, the site provides:

• a free STEM Funding Guide
• information about STEM grants, scholarships, fellowships, and competitions
• tips for writing grant proposals
• a comprehensive guide to STEM funding opportunities

During your research, look for like-minded funders who care deeply about your mission. You will most likely need to establish a coalition of funders to sustain your SeaPerch program.

When you find a good match, visit the funder’s website and carefully study their application guidelines. Be mindful of any submission deadlines and follow application instructions to the letter to increase your chances of an award.

Sponsorships

Research any companies in your area doing STEM-related work such as defense contractors, engineering firms, technology/computer businesses, or marine technology organizations. Ask if they would be willing to sponsor SeaPerch kits for your classroom.

• Contact civic and social organizations in your town such as Kiwanis, Rotary International, non-profit organizations, alumni associations, booster clubs, or fraternal organizations
• Ask your Parent Teacher Organization for funding.
• Talk to the manager of local hardware stores who may be willing to donate materials or offer them at a reduced price
• Reach out to local chapters of professional STEM-related organizations such as American Society of Naval Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Freshwater Biological Association, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Marine Technology Association, or Women in Defense, just to name a few. You can even check in with your local hardware stores!
• Get students involved in soliciting sponsors. Have them create business cards or flyers to promote the program and explain their goals to potential partners.

Fundraising

Getting students involved helps them take ownership in the project and have some “skin in the game.” Donors are more likely to give when they see that the kids are motivated and committed to the cause. Think of creative solutions (as well as few “tried and true” methods) to fundraising such as:

• Wash cars for a small fee
• Sell homemade or purchased baked goods at an old-fashioned Bake Sale at a school or a community event
• Yard sales – who doesn’t have unused items they could donate to a yard sale?
• Read-a-thons to collect pledges for each book, promoting literacy while raising money
• Partner with a local restaurant where a percentage of sales on a designated night go toward the fundraiser

Remember to tailor the fundraising activity to the kids' ages, interests, and the specific cause they are supporting. There are so many ideas out there!