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In October 2013 a small group of citizens gathered together in Fernley, Nevada with the desire to promote science education in local K-12 schools and host a community-wide science extravaganza that highlighted student work as well as local employment opportunities. Over time the “science” aspect was expanded to encompass Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) in order to align with current K-12 paradigms and expand the scope of an event. In February 2014 the First Annual Fernley STEM Festival was held at Silverland Middle School in Fernley, Nevada. There were over 300 student posters representing traditional science projects (e.g., hypothesis based questions), demonstrations (e.g., balsa wood bridges and information on STEM topics), and inventions. Fifteen local businesses, organizations, and community groups lined the hallways and provided hands-on learning opportunities related to their business. For example, the Animal Care Center allowed participants to examine a real dog using the latest technology, the Boy Scouts provided carbon dioxide cars, and a parent-teacher association (PTA) group made greeting cards that required the completion of a circuit so they would light-up. It was soon after the inaugural event that people began to donate funds to support the Fernley STEM Festival and it was realized that a formal group needed to be established.
The Fernley STEM Council was then established and began investigating how to become a non-profit organization. After some research, the task to become a non-profit organization, in addition to the cost, appeared to be daunting. After sharing this information with her parents, one of the Fernley STEM Council co-founders received news that her parents would take the lead in founding a non-profit that the Council could be established under. Her parents have been involved in education for over 40 years serving as teachers, principals and superintendents so it was no surprise that they also share the desire to improve educational opportunities for students. The Open-Gate Foundation was incorporated in December of 2014 and was granted 501(c)(3) status in March of 2015.
The Open-Gate Foundation was founded in Fernley, and serves the entire state of Nevada. At the heart of Open-Gate Foundation are rural communities and school districts; the main service-focus of Open-Gate Foundation are rural areas. Lessons learned and the success of the Fernley STEM Council and Fernley STEM Festival can serve as a model, but Open-Gate Foundation will remain open-minded as service expands to other communities in Nevada.
S: Sincere - Remain humble and respect others' work and their efforts
C: Cheerful - Find joy in our service. Laughter breaks barriers; have fun and don’t take ourselves too serious.
I: Inclusive - The learning community includes every member of a community. By including everyone as learners we expand our possibilities.
E: Essential - Education is the key to opening doors and building a talented workforce, and this education needs to be both formal (e.g., traditional school) and informal (outdoors).
N: Nexus - Relationships are at the core of every interaction; build open, honest, and productive connections and relationships to maximize resources.
C: Considerate - Ask first to understand then to be understood. Remain culturally responsive, adaptive, and aware, embracing and utilizing diversity.
E: Ethical - Do the right thing, even when it is hard. Work to bring out the best in everyone.
The mission of Open-Gate Foundation, Inc. is to provide exemplary educational support services to so that all students, teachers, administrators, and community members will have access to the best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) planning, implementation, instructional and assessment practices.
Providing Keys to Unlock Learning!