Big Give 2023 is for the Camp Scholarships Fund

Update, March 14:

We are truly thankful to all those of you who contributed to our 2023 Big Give campaign. Your contributions will allow us to offer financial aid to more families who otherwise could not send their children to summer camp or participate in a teen research program at The Lawrence, making a difference right here in our community. Thank you for your donations and for spreading the word to support the next generation of scientists, inventors, and change-makers!

Original story, February 23:

Help us send more kids to camp this summer

Summer Camp at The Lawrence is perhaps the quintessential experience at UC Berkeley’s public science center, offering two weeks full of hands-on experiments, exploration, and invention. Our goal has always been to provide these scientific adventures to as many kids as possible. The Lawrence summer camps provide a space for kids to follow their curiosity and discover that they can be young astronomers, biologists, engineers, and so much more. We believe everyone can benefit from an engaging summer camp experience.

With the Big Give, UC Berkeley’s annual day of giving, fast approaching, we saw an opportunity to send even more kids to camp in the coming years. As part of our commitment to providing our amazing summer camp experiences to all, especially those traditionally underrepresented in science, we’re raising money for our Summer Camp Scholarship Fund on March 9.

The Lawrence’s mission is to inspire and engage through science discovery and learning in ways that advance equity and opportunity. Summer Camp financial aid is critical to this mission, providing an exciting opportunity to young people who otherwise would not be able to experience summer camp. Over the past 10 years, at least 500 campers from pre-K through high school have enjoyed an enriching summer of science thanks to these scholarships.

“My kid can’t experience the same adventures as her wealthy counterparts,” said one parent of a financial aid camper. “I’m so grateful for the scholarship because my kid will have two weeks of exposure to new ideas, making new friends, developing critical thinking, and, most importantly, learning that there is much more than our current environment.”

This year, the need is greater than ever, as we’ve committed to funding more campers through financial aid. Over 450 applicants submitted a financial aid request for our 2023 summer camp season, resulting in a significant unmet need. With the support of charitable donors, The Lawrence can provide an unforgettable experience that benefits all campers, not just financial aid recipients.

“Not only does my kid benefit,” said another financial aid recipient, “her cohort does as well. Kids learn from each others’ differences. It’s important for kids of all backgrounds to play and interact. As a brown mother, I would like my kid to grow up to be anything she wants—and it all starts in childhood.”

We hope you’ll join us on Thursday, March 9 for the Big Give. With your generous support, kids will learn that they, too, are young scientists with the potential to explore, discover, and invent.