Every student deserves a place to wonder & explore
‘Before Surf Skate Science, I never thought of myself as someone who could design something. Now, I’m thinking about becoming an engineer. I want to design products that can change the world.’
Maya, Age 14
‘The joy my child feels when landing a trick translates into all areas of their life. It's amazing to see them apply the same persistence and creativity in their schoolwork and personal growth.’
- Maria Parent
Future Goals
STEAM Center
Mentoring Expansion
Program Growth
90%
of parents reported increased confidence and resilience in their children.
of students shared a rediscovered love for learning after struggling in traditional schools 95%
Over
3,000 students impacted in 2024
Build a dedicated space for hands-on STEAM education, fostering creativity and collaboration
Grow mentoring and field study programs, including partnerships with AIA and ACE Mentoring, to provide career exposure in architecture and engineering
Expand in-person and online programming to reach more students nationwide with flexible, action packed & engaging STEAM curriculum
The year in review
In 2024, we saw remarkable growth and expansion at Surf Skate Science, thanks to the support of our partners, donors, and community.
Together, we impacted:
2,500 students through field studies and events.
500 students through weekly and drop-in programs.
300 students utilizing our new online learning platform
Our innovative programs continue to empower students from diverse backgrounds, transforming local skateparks and beaches into dynamic classrooms where learning comes to life Through our strategic community partnerships, students also gain hands-on mentoring and career exposure by working alongside worldrenowned scientists, architects, and professionals in the field."
Studentswhoengageinhands-on,real-worldlearningdevelop deeperproblem-solvingandcriticalthinkingskills.
AccordingtoareportbytheNationalScienceFoundation,‘studentsinvolvedinproject-basedlearningoutperformtheirpeersincreativity,innovation,andacademicperformance’
Key Partnerships
In 2024, Surf Skate Science collaborated with a variety of organizations and experts to elevate our programs:
Universities provided joint workshops and research opportunities, offering students exposure to advanced fields of study
Corporate sponsors supported mentorship programs, allowing students to connect with professionals in design, engineering, and marketing
Non-profit organizations focused on sustainability, environmental advocacy, and STEAM education helped broaden our impact and reach.
Microschools, small private schools, and non-traditional learning pods partnered with us to bring even more students to our programs, offering flexible learning options that cater to diverse educational needs
Teen centers and youth facilities provided access to underserved students, giving them valuable exposure to STEM/STEAM fields and inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem solvers
The rise of
homeschooling
With the expansion of school choice funding, Florida has seen a significant rise in homeschooling families. Today, nearly 25% of students in the state are opting for non-traditional educational paths. Surf Skate Science has responded by offering programs tailored to the needs of homeschoolers, including:
Flexible, hands-on STEAM curriculum that adapts to each student’s learning style.
Community-centered education that leverages local environments and expertise.
Career exposure through partnerships with professionals, universities, and corporations.
‘Education is not just about filling a bucket; it’s about lighting a fire. When students engage with real-world learning, they develop the skills necessary for future success.’
- Cathy Davidson, an expert in education reform
Transformation in action
Eden, Age 17
Before joining Surf Skate Science, Eden struggled to connect with traditional education. As a teenager, he often felt disengaged in the classroom and disinterested in most subjects. It wasn’t until discovering our skateboarding design workshops that he found a passion for engineering and creative problem-solving.
During our classes, Eden learned how to design a custom skateboard, incorporating engineering principles such as balance, material selection, and aerodynamics. This hands-on project sparked a deep curiosity about how things are made, leading him to explore engineering, architecture and design more seriously.
At a Surf Skate Science community showcase, Eden presented a fully designed a full skatepark model, explaining the process, challenges, and creative solutions involved. The experience not only boosted his self-confidence but also provided a glimpse into a future in welding which he is now pursing through dualenrollment.
‘Before Surf Skate Science, I didn’t feel connected to school. I just couldn’t see how the stuff I was learning applied to my life. " Eden
ReImagining a classroom
‘Skateboardingtaught
methe power of persistence andthethrill of overcomingobstacles.Inthat way,it’s a perfect complementto education— especiallyinhowitteaches resilience, creativity,and criticalthinking.’
— Action sports athleteShaunWhite
Traditional education is shifting towards a more creative, hands-on approach. Sir Ken Robinson emphasizes that "creativity is as important as literacy " This movement aligns with the idea that education should foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills rather than conforming students to rigid systems.
John Taylor Gatto, in Dumbing Us Down, critiques traditional schooling for stifling individuality and creativity. At Surf Skate Science, we empower students by offering realworld learning through skateboarding, where they develop key skills for the future.
The Mental, Physical, and Educational Benefits of Skateboarding
Mental Benefits: Skateboarding boosts dopamine levels, improving focus, mood, and resilience. It helps students build confidence through trial, error, and adaptation.
Physical Benefits: Improves balance, coordination, cardiovascular health, and muscular endurance.
Educational Benefits: Skateboarding fosters critical thinking and problem-solving by requiring students to analyze and adapt their strategies
Both skateboarding and surfing provide dynamic, experiential learning environments that build resilience, creativity, and critical skills.
Benefits of
anon-traditional
classroom
Surf Skate Science is not a typical classroom our approach leverages the outdoors and local environments to teach critical lessons in STEAM education. Research consistently shows that nontraditional classrooms, especially those using nature schooling and project-based learning, lead to higher levels of engagement, mental well-being, and academic success.
"Non-traditional education, particularly outdoor and experiential learning, fosters deeper cognitive development and emotional resilience in students. It’s an approach that allows students to thrive in real-world contexts."
Dr. Stephen J. Farrar,
Education Researcher
Did you know that.... 72% of students who engage in outdoor learning report a significant increase in focus and academic performance. (Source: American Institutes for Research)
According to the National Education Association, students participating in hands-on learning have 30% higherretention rates of critical concepts.
"Learning outside in the real world has been amazing. I never thought that studying science at a skatepark would help me understand physics better, but it did. I feel more connected to what I’m learning."
Noah, Student, Age
12
STEAM education 70%
Preparing Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow
The integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education across core subjects is essential to prepare students for careers that don't even exist yet. Rather than segregating these disciplines, we must teach them in interconnected, real-world contexts. This prepares students to solve complex problems, innovate, and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
of jobs in the next decade will require skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Up to 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that don’t currently exist, highlighting the need for education that fosters creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
of students involved in projectbased STEAM learning outperform their peers in creativity, innovation, and academic performance, according to a National Science Foundation report. 25%
‘STEM education, particularly when integrated with the arts, is the key to fostering creativity and problemsolving skills that will prepare students for the challenges of the future workforce.’
- Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, Education Expert
‘STEAM has completely changed the way I look at learning. It’s not just about memorizing facts—it's about creating, experimenting, and solving real-world problems. I never knew learning could be this exciting.’ - Emma, Student, Age 15
‘Ineverknewmyvoice mattereduntilIgottospeakat acitymeeting.NowIknowthatI canactuallymakeadifference intheworld,andthatfeels powerful.’
-Audrey,17
Agency:
Empowering Youth to Use Their Voices
‘Givingstudentsavoiceintheireducationandcommunityencourages ownershipandresponsibility,buildingthecriticalleadershipand advocacyskillstheywillneedinadulthood.’
-Dr.RichardD.Kahlenberg,EducationScholar
Teaching youth how to advocate for themselves and their communities is essential for developing agency students who understand their power to make change are more engaged and motivated At Surf Skate Science, we emphasize civics education by encouraging students to speak out on issues like skateparks, public spaces, and environmental sustainability.
This year alone, our students attended over 30 city meetings and public events, where they shared their ideas and advocated for the changes they believe are necessary for a better community.
85% of students with strong civic engagement opportunities report feeling more confident in their ability to influence their communities. (Source: Civic Education Research Center)
35% of youth who participate in advocacy programs are more likely to pursue leadership roles in their careers, according to the National Youth Leadership Council.
