April 2026 Newsletter

This spring, EIS campers explored nature with hands-on activities like gardening, habitat building, and climate solution competitions!

We spent the week diving deep into the science of our planet, thanks to some incredible community partners who brought their expertise right into our building. Our friends from I Love a Clean San Diego led hands-on sessions exploring watersheds, ecology, and climate — giving students a real look at how water moves through our environment and why it matters.

Students also enjoyed a field trip with our partners at Ocean Connectors  to the Living Coast Discovery Center at San Diego Bay, where they came face to face with the incredible wildlife and ecosystems that make our region so special.

If you are a high school student interested in volunteering as a summer lab assistant, visit our website eisca.org/lab-assistant.

Recap: Girls Take Flight Drone Camp

Photo: AM group posed in from of the Midway’s Historic “41” on the Bridge

In the 2026 Girls Take Flight spring drone camp, 56 high school girls participated. They learned through a series of guest speakers, a field trip to the USS Midway, career research, and friendly competition about autonomous and piloted drone operation, career options, and the basic rules governing drones.

The featured guest speakers included Desi Ekstein, UAS Instructor, Drone Coach and Aerial Preservationist, Julie Roland, District Director at NY State Assembly & Former Naval Officer, Aviator, Lieutenant Commander, Rosanne Denton of SHE-Drones and Drone Instructor at Grossmont College, and many more!

Participants expressed interest in the commercial use of drones, excitement to participate in flight simulators on the USS Midway, and the majority are intending on applying for the 24-week Girls Take Flight Practicum. A sampling of their comments is below.

“Hearing Julie Roland talk about trailblazing male dominated fields, like commercial and naval aviation, made me feel inspired to not be scared and try my best.”

“My favorite part was writing code to program the drones’ movement”

The 2026 cohort is co-led by Luxary Crisostomo and Hailey Villanueva, both of whom have graduated from the program in previous years. Luxary returned as a drone instructor for Girls Take Flight after graduated in 2023 and Hailey graduated in last year’s cohort! Desi Ekstein will continue to act as Lead Drone Instructor during the full practicum.Girls Take Flight 2026 is provided through funding from the following sponsors:
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) – BAE Systems – David C. Copley Foundation – PNC Foundation – Macy’s – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems – La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation – Farrell Family Foundation – and the Guenther Foundation.

Presented by the Elementary Institute of Science and Let’s be eARThical, the eARTh Day Art Showcase is a community event designed to inspire gratitude for nature, educate about eco-conciousness, and hope for the future of our climate. All ages are welcome. Minors 12 years old or younger must attend with an adult guardian/parent.

There will be:

• crafts from recycled materials
• local artists exhibiting throughout the building
• music
• conversation circles

Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
• Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm
• Location: Elementary Institute of Science (608 51st St, San Diego, CA 92114)

Bring your friends and loved ones and celebrate the eARTh with us!
If you are interested in exhibiting art of any kind, please fill in the interest form HERE.

We take a moment this month to honor the memory of Alwin “Ben” Holman, a man whose life was defined by service — to his country, his community, and his family. A Navy veteran, mail carrier, and retired San Diego Fire Department Deputy Chief, Ben spent his life showing up for others in the most meaningful ways.

Ben’s legacy lives on in many places — and we are proud that the Elementary Institute of Science is one of them. His commitment to this community planted seeds that continue to grow in every student who walks through our doors.

We send our deepest love to his daughter Kyra, granddaughter Aryka, and the entire Holman family. Ben, thank you for everything.