named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
FSW in Schools
Collaborative program bringing Free Science Workshop resources and instruction into area classrooms or hosting student visits to supplement traditional science curricula.
Free Science Workshop
Drop-in science program for youth offering hands-on activities in electronics, biology, woodworking, and creative engineering in a self-directed, interest-driven environment.
Physics Bus
Mobile science exhibit housed in a retrofitted bus featuring over two dozen hands-on physics demonstrations; brings interactive science experiences to schools, parks, and community events.
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Hands-On STEM Education Programs 3 activities
- After-school one-on-one mentorship for youth science projectsProvides after-school mentorship to support youth in exploring science and developing personal projects through individualized guidance.
- Free drop-in science programming for youth and familiesOffers free, ongoing drop-in hours multiple days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 pm) for youth and families to engage in hands-on science exploration and creative activities.
- Hands-on science and creative workshops for youthProvides hands-on activities in woodworking, electronics, biology, and artistic expression for youth, both during drop-in hours and through structured collaborations with schools.
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Public Astronomy & Space Science Education 3 activities
- Mobile science museum and exhibitionsOperates a mobile science museum featuring over two dozen hands-on exhibits and facilitated demonstrations, including an exhibition of upcycled appliances designed by children to illustrate physics phenomena, and delivers visits ranging from 15 minutes to full-day engagements.
- School partnerships to supplement science educationCollaborates with area schools to bring hands-on science workshops into classrooms and hosts student visits at the facility to enhance and supplement school science curricula.
- Science education outreach eventsProvides science education events at schools, libraries, parks, and fairs, bringing interactive exhibits and demonstrations to diverse communities across urban, rural, and cross-country locations.
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Youth Workforce Readiness Programs 1 activity
- Youth internship program in science education supportProvides paid internships for teens to support the delivery of free summer drop-in science programming, combining workforce development with program capacity building.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$152K
Contributions & grants$93K61%
Program service revenue$59K39%
Investment income$100%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$171K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$117K
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$4K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$4K
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue +38.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLIVIA R VINCENT | CO-DIRECTOR | 20 | $42K |
| ERIK HERMAN | CO-DIRECTOR | 20 | $25K |
relationships · 6
Who they work with
- Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center Partner — Collaborates with Free Science Workshop to provide science programming for children.
- Free Science Inc Network — Free Science Workshop is operated by Free Science Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Free Science Workshop Partner — Physics Bus is headquartered inside the Free Science Workshop.
- Ithaca City School District Partner — Coordinates seasonal hours and collaborates on educational programming.
- Physics Bus Partner — Collaborates with the Physics Bus to deliver mobile science education experiences.
- Urban 4-H Program Partner — Community partner that organizes weekly visits to the Free Science Workshop for youth.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts-Integrated Science Educationmethodology: arts-integrationBy integrating art and science in educational programming, we foster innovation and deeper cognitive engagement because creative exploration strengthens interdisciplinary thinking and emotional connection to scientific concepts.
- Equity-Focused Access Modelmethodology: equity-focused_accessBy prioritizing access for historically marginalized and low-income youth through self-identified eligibility and targeted outreach, we increase participation from underserved communities because removing systemic barriers enables more inclusive engagement.
- Free-Choice Learning Modelmethodology: free-choice_learningBy allowing youth to self-direct their science education based on personal interests, we produce deeper engagement and ownership of learning because autonomy fosters intrinsic motivation and sustained curiosity.
- Mobile Science Outreachmethodology: mobile-science-outreachBy bringing hands-on science experiences directly to diverse communities via mobile platforms, we increase access and spark curiosity because meeting people where they are lowers logistical and psychological barriers to participation.
- Project-Based Learning with Mentorshipmethodology: project-based_learning_with_mentorshipBy engaging youth in self-directed science projects supported by collaboration with and observation of skilled adults, we produce deeper understanding and skill development because hands-on inquiry combined with mentorship bridges theory and practice.