Your partner in outdoor education, STEM enrichment, and experiential learning

Our Services

  • Backcountry Adventures and more

    Experiential Learning

    Sierra STEM’s Experiential Learning programs are highly customized outdoor educational experiences developed in collaboration with schools and non-profits to help students explore a carefully designed set of learning outcomes.

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  • Data Consulting, DEI, and Curriculum Design

    Educational Consulting

    Sierra STEM partners with educators and institutions to scaffold organizational growth. We use novel insights to help you make data-driven decisions, optimize your organization’s programs, and identify institutional and curricular blindspots.

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  • Offsite Retreats and Teambuilding Programs

    Professional Development

    Let Sierra STEM organize and facilitate your organization’s next offsite retreat or PD Day. A pause from the daily crush will promote strategic alignment, identify unmet needs of your team, and grow resilient professional relationships.

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I think it's safe to say that winter is here! What's the weather like today where you live?
Every year, Sierra STEM invests in honing our risk management skills and practices. This year, for example, our entire staff earned or renewed their Wilderness First Responder certifications. Additionally, our Executive Director attended the annual W
Every year, Sierra STEM invests in honing our risk management skills and practices. This year, for example, our entire staff earned or renewed their Wilderness First Responder certifications. Additionally, our Executive Director attended the annual Wilderness Risk Management Conference and a Risk Management Training workshop hosted by@nolsedu. Every month, we also run wilderness medical scenarios to keep our skills up. Yesterday, Neal was acting "too cool" so we warmed him up in a hypo wrap! @desertmountainmedicine @international_alpine_guides
Callan and Claire got to go on a field trip to Bridgeport last Monday to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and learned how to weave baskets. We may not be experts yet but we had a great time! Thank you to @monoartscouncil, @monocountybehaviora
Callan and Claire got to go on a field trip to Bridgeport last Monday to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and learned how to weave baskets. We may not be experts yet but we had a great time! Thank you to @monoartscouncil, @monocountybehavioralhealth and @bridgeportindiancolony for hosting us!
We got some exciting mail today at our Sierra STEM Office! Our annual 8th Grade Backpacking Trip with @mtsschool includes a service learning component in which students write letters to public officials about issues that matter to them immediately a
We got some exciting mail today at our Sierra STEM Office! Our annual 8th Grade Backpacking Trip with @mtsschool includes a service learning component in which students write letters to public officials about issues that matter to them immediately after they return from the wilderness. This year, several students chose to write to the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park, and she wrote back with personalized letters to each and every kid. Thanks for affirming their civic engagement, @yosemitenps 😃
Participatory Risk Management: At Sierra STEM, we are strong believers in the benefits of taking appropriate risks. Otherwise, we would never take students on backcountry adventures or engage students in challenging conversations. A crucial aspect of
Participatory Risk Management: At Sierra STEM, we are strong believers in the benefits of taking appropriate risks. Otherwise, we would never take students on backcountry adventures or engage students in challenging conversations. A crucial aspect of our approach to risk management is what we call “Participatory Risk Management.” By including students in the practice of risk management, they are better prepared to take on responsibility for their own safety and the group’s. Understanding and mitigating risks is something we all do as program leaders, and participatory risk management helps students grow their own leadership and critical thinking skills.
Did you know… Sierra STEM officially became a non-profit organization in April 2024! We started out in 2021 as just one outdoorsy neuroscientist-turned-teacher but have grown a lot since then. Changing to a 501c(3) means we can more effectivel
Did you know… Sierra STEM officially became a non-profit organization in April 2024! We started out in 2021 as just one outdoorsy neuroscientist-turned-teacher but have grown a lot since then. Changing to a 501c(3) means we can more effectively expand our programs, build partnerships, and improve access to STEM enrichment in under-resourced communities. We are excited to be plugging into Eastern California’s great network of non-profits centered around science and education. Onward and upward!
Even (especially?!) a small team like ours benefits from a staff retreat! We recently spent two days at nearby Convict Lake Resort to talk about our long-term plans and goals, develop new curriculum ideas, and prep for a website overhaul. Success al
Even (especially?!) a small team like ours benefits from a staff retreat! We recently spent two days at nearby Convict Lake Resort to talk about our long-term plans and goals, develop new curriculum ideas, and prep for a website overhaul. Success all around: the sessions were productive and inspiring, the last of the fall colors were poppin’, and the beers were tasty. Thanks to @convictlakeresort for having us at their lovely cabins!
We would like to officially welcome Claire (she/her), our Operations Director as of September 1! Claire grew up in Montana, Arizona, and Florida and went to school for geology, culminating in an MS from the University of Wyoming. Before coming to Sie
We would like to officially welcome Claire (she/her), our Operations Director as of September 1! Claire grew up in Montana, Arizona, and Florida and went to school for geology, culminating in an MS from the University of Wyoming. Before coming to Sierra STEM, she worked for the U.S. Geological Survey in their communications and publishing group and was the Office Director at the @monolakeca Committee, where she gained extensive experience in non-profit administration and logistics. Claire has been a June Lake local for over 5 years, and we’re so happy to have this geology nerd on staff and grateful to have Claire to keep us organized and focused on building our programs!
We would like to officially welcome Callan (he/him), our Education Director as of September 1! Callan grew up in New York State and earned a Bachelor’s in Outdoor Education from Northland College in 2014. In 2014 he moved to Mammoth Lakes to co
We would like to officially welcome Callan (he/him), our Education Director as of September 1! Callan grew up in New York State and earned a Bachelor’s in Outdoor Education from Northland College in 2014. In 2014 he moved to Mammoth Lakes to coach the youth Freeski Team and the rest is history! Prior to joining Sierra STEM, Callan also studied the microbiology of beer as a Production Brewer at @junelakebrewing - we’re so stoked to have his kindness, humor, and outdoor experience on the team, and we’re excited to see all the new programs Callan will develop in the coming years! - - - 📸: @brendan_moon
Community. This word and this idea are central to what we do and what we teach here at Sierra STEM. We've been reflecting on the meaning and importance of community a little extra today, in the wake of a contentious election that has strained many
Community. This word and this idea are central to what we do and what we teach here at Sierra STEM. We've been reflecting on the meaning and importance of community a little extra today, in the wake of a contentious election that has strained many communities. We will continue to build meaningful community, partnership, and cooperation in all the ways we can, here in the Sierra and beyond. 📸: @callikecalzone
Our last backcountry trip of the year was a success! Eighth graders from @mtsschool spent a week backpacking near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park and discussing water resources, pros and cons of the dam at Hetch Hetchy, conceptions o
Our last backcountry trip of the year was a success! Eighth graders from @mtsschool spent a week backpacking near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park and discussing water resources, pros and cons of the dam at Hetch Hetchy, conceptions of wilderness, fire ecology, and much more. If you had been a U.S. Congressperson in 1913, would you have voted yes or no to the building of a dam at Hetch Hetchy?
A few weeks ago our Sierra STEM team went to the Lee Vining Elementary School and taught students about magnetism. We all learned about magnets, how they work in compasses during an orientation challenge, and experimented with how they work in an art
A few weeks ago our Sierra STEM team went to the Lee Vining Elementary School and taught students about magnetism. We all learned about magnets, how they work in compasses during an orientation challenge, and experimented with how they work in an art project. Thank you to all the students and teachers at Lee Vining Elementary School! - - - #STEAM #magnetism #compass #orienteering
Happy Halloween from the spooks of Sierra STEM! 🎃Our First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest was a success - congrats to Lydia for the big win with her scary squash! 👻
Happy Halloween from the spooks of Sierra STEM! 🎃Our First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest was a success - congrats to Lydia for the big win with her scary squash! 👻
So long, sweet summer! Yesterday we were surprised by an early snowfall here in June Lake… and then treated to a spectacular light show as the storm clouds lifted at sunset 🤩 Our busy season is winding down and we’ve got lots of great
So long, sweet summer! Yesterday we were surprised by an early snowfall here in June Lake… and then treated to a spectacular light show as the storm clouds lifted at sunset 🤩 Our busy season is winding down and we’ve got lots of great news & program updates to share, so stay tuned here in the next couple weeks and we’ll get you caught up on all things Sierra STEM!
🚨 JOB ALERT (x2!) 🚨 Sierra STEM is hiring for TWO brand new, full-time*, year-round positions: an Operations Director and an Education Director! Are you interested in joining our team (or do you know someone who might be)? Check out both job descri
🚨 JOB ALERT (x2!) 🚨 Sierra STEM is hiring for TWO brand new, full-time*, year-round positions: an Operations Director and an Education Director! Are you interested in joining our team (or do you know someone who might be)? Check out both job descriptions at the “Join Our Team” link in our bio! * Applicants preferring a part-time role may be considered, if the fit is right for the team.
Throwback to an incredible program with @pksschool_sf ! We loved having these 5th graders in the eastern Sierra for a week of science, teambuilding, and jaw-dropping views. These kids grew so much in such a short period of time, and we can’t wa
Throwback to an incredible program with @pksschool_sf ! We loved having these 5th graders in the eastern Sierra for a week of science, teambuilding, and jaw-dropping views. These kids grew so much in such a short period of time, and we can’t wait to see where their travels take them next! #STEM #outdooreducation #monolake #hotcreek
We had a blast this week hosting teenagers from a local high school at Convict Lake for a field trip focused on Sierra Nevada geology and ecology! 🏔️ A great way to spend one of their last days of the school year, if you ask us! 🤩 Summer is here! ☀
We had a blast this week hosting teenagers from a local high school at Convict Lake for a field trip focused on Sierra Nevada geology and ecology! 🏔️ A great way to spend one of their last days of the school year, if you ask us! 🤩 Summer is here! ☀️
@svintlschool’s 11th grade joined Sierra STEM for a week of collecting data for their Collaborative Sciences Project while backpacking, rock climbing, and exploring the Eastern Sierra. Swipe for scenes from their adventurous journey! #STEM #co
@svintlschool’s 11th grade joined Sierra STEM for a week of collecting data for their Collaborative Sciences Project while backpacking, rock climbing, and exploring the Eastern Sierra. Swipe for scenes from their adventurous journey! #STEM #collaborativescience #easternsierra
Sierra STEM in Yosemite! The @mtsschool 8th grade came out for a week-long program in Hetch Hetchy Valley, where they went backpacking and learned about the history and conflict related to water resources and dams in Yosemite. From cold dips in alpin
Sierra STEM in Yosemite! The @mtsschool 8th grade came out for a week-long program in Hetch Hetchy Valley, where they went backpacking and learned about the history and conflict related to water resources and dams in Yosemite. From cold dips in alpine creeks to snowball fights to Parmesan in the granola (sorry Group 4!), this trip was one for the memories! Thanks @mtsschool for your wonderful partnership!
Stef Leudtke, former Sierra STEM student, went on Sierra STEM’s Yosemite and the Water Wars program in 2023. He made this video to commemorate his time. “I can say without a doubt in my mind that the incredible week I spent with Sierra STEM was one of the best weeks of my entire life. Every time I look back at the photos from my trip to Yosemite, I am reminded of the wonderful, tight-knit community that was formed, the breathtaking, untouched wilderness we explored, and the fascinating lessons we learned. I made this short video to share some of this same wonder and peace with others,” said Stef. @stef_luedtke
I think it's safe to say that winter is here! What's the weather like today where you live?
Every year, Sierra STEM invests in honing our risk management skills and practices. This year, for example, our entire staff earned or renewed their Wilderness First Responder certifications. Additionally, our Executive Director attended the annual W Callan and Claire got to go on a field trip to Bridgeport last Monday to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and learned how to weave baskets. We may not be experts yet but we had a great time! Thank you to @monoartscouncil, @monocountybehaviora We got some exciting mail today at our Sierra STEM Office! Our annual 8th Grade Backpacking Trip with @mtsschool includes a service learning component in which students write letters to public officials about issues that matter to them immediately a Participatory Risk Management: At Sierra STEM, we are strong believers in the benefits of taking appropriate risks. Otherwise, we would never take students on backcountry adventures or engage students in challenging conversations. A crucial aspect of Did you know… Sierra STEM officially became a non-profit organization in April 2024! We started out in 2021 as just one outdoorsy neuroscientist-turned-teacher but have grown a lot since then. Changing to a 501c(3) means we can more effectivel Even (especially?!) a small team like ours benefits from a staff retreat! We recently spent two days at nearby Convict Lake Resort to talk about our long-term plans and goals, develop new curriculum ideas, and prep for a website overhaul. Success al We would like to officially welcome Claire (she/her), our Operations Director as of September 1! Claire grew up in Montana, Arizona, and Florida and went to school for geology, culminating in an MS from the University of Wyoming. Before coming to Sie We would like to officially welcome Callan (he/him), our Education Director as of September 1! Callan grew up in New York State and earned a Bachelor’s in Outdoor Education from Northland College in 2014. In 2014 he moved to Mammoth Lakes to co Community. This word and this idea are central to what we do and what we teach here at Sierra STEM. We've been reflecting on the meaning and importance of community a little extra today, in the wake of a contentious election that has strained many Our last backcountry trip of the year was a success! Eighth graders from @mtsschool spent a week backpacking near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park and discussing water resources, pros and cons of the dam at Hetch Hetchy, conceptions o A few weeks ago our Sierra STEM team went to the Lee Vining Elementary School and taught students about magnetism. We all learned about magnets, how they work in compasses during an orientation challenge, and experimented with how they work in an art Happy Halloween from the spooks of Sierra STEM! 🎃Our First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest was a success - congrats to Lydia for the big win with her scary squash! 👻 So long, sweet summer! Yesterday we were surprised by an early snowfall here in June Lake… and then treated to a spectacular light show as the storm clouds lifted at sunset 🤩 Our busy season is winding down and we’ve got lots of great 🚨 JOB ALERT (x2!) 🚨 Sierra STEM is hiring for TWO brand new, full-time*, year-round positions: an Operations Director and an Education Director! Are you interested in joining our team (or do you know someone who might be)? Check out both job descri Throwback to an incredible program with @pksschool_sf ! We loved having these 5th graders in the eastern Sierra for a week of science, teambuilding, and jaw-dropping views. These kids grew so much in such a short period of time, and we can’t wa We had a blast this week hosting teenagers from a local high school at Convict Lake for a field trip focused on Sierra Nevada geology and ecology! 🏔️ A great way to spend one of their last days of the school year, if you ask us! 🤩 Summer is here! ☀ @svintlschool’s 11th grade joined Sierra STEM for a week of collecting data for their Collaborative Sciences Project while backpacking, rock climbing, and exploring the Eastern Sierra. Swipe for scenes from their adventurous journey! #STEM #co Sierra STEM in Yosemite! The @mtsschool 8th grade came out for a week-long program in Hetch Hetchy Valley, where they went backpacking and learned about the history and conflict related to water resources and dams in Yosemite. From cold dips in alpin
Stef Leudtke, former Sierra STEM student, went on Sierra STEM’s Yosemite and the Water Wars program in 2023. He made this video to commemorate his time. “I can say without a doubt in my mind that the incredible week I spent with Sierra ST