Catch the Science Bug, Foundation, Inc.

The Catch the Science Bug Foundation, Inc.'s mission is to inspire children to continue to better our world through science! We want kids to KNOW that they too could make valuable contributions by utilizing science, engineering, technology and math in private or professional life. We accomplish our mission through our: (1) PBS science series, (2) interactive website (wwww.sciencebug.org), (3) in-person educational science programs. A fourth program is in development called “Catch the Outdoor Bug” that will preserve an acre of second growth old forest and use that forest as an outdoor classroom for environmental education programs. This foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3. All donations are tax deductible.

Catch the Science Bug, a half-hour children's television series that focuses on the science inherent to everyday life. It targets children in grades 1-4 but was also found to be appealing to grades pre K-K. These episodes have proven to (1) increase science literacy, (2) increase participation in the sciences and related fields, (3) promote the recognition of science related careers and (4) raise environmental consciousness. Nine episodes have been produced and air periodically throughout the year on Rhode Island PBS (WSBE).The current broadcast area reaches 1.5 million households throughout Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire via WSBE and WSBE on cable.

The foundation was rated as one of the top educational foundations in the United States by its clients on GreatNonprofits.org (2010) and the interactive website has won an American Library Association Award (2009) and a Parents’ Choice Silver Award (2010). The PBS RI science series has also won a Parents’ Choice Silver Award (2011).