Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Hearst Castle Nonprofit Partners with California State Parks on Virtual Education Program

by  •  • Comments Off on Hearst Castle Nonprofit Partners with California State Parks on Virtual Education Program
New program integrates STEAM disciplines and inspires underserved students to broaden their horizons

Images courtesy of ©Hearst Castle®/CA State Parks

SAN SIMEON — The Foundation at Hearst Castle has partnered with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument and State Park to launch a new, virtual education program. The multi-day online experience is an iteration of the innovative in-person opportunity the nonprofit organization introduced in 2018.

The STEAM Program at the Castle, a key initiative, encourages learning and discovery for middle school-aged students from underserved communities around California. It includes a tour of the unique museum and visit to the San Simeon Pier and beach — now by livestream. The tours align with STEM/STEAM disciplines, showing how pioneering architect Julia Morgan and her team used science, technology, engineering, art, and math to build W.R. Hearst’s dream home — and ultimately how that might apply to their future education and career paths.
Participating students pre-screen at home Hearst Castle: Building the Dream and then log onto Zoom for a customized, live guided tour of Hearst Castle, designed just for them. Another day, they follow a California State Parks Interpreter for a live virtual tour of the San Simeon coast and pier, including a marine bio lesson.
Dan Falat, San Luis Obispo Coast District Superintendent for California State Parks, commends the new program. “Our goal is that these students can see and demo some of the STEAM ingenuity that it took to build Hearst Castle and imagine themselves in a future career using STEAM to power their future. This virtual program is an efficient and engaging way to let students experience the wonder of Hearst Castle. We are excited to launch this innovative program that will be a scalable model for other parks within the California State Parks system.”
In addition, the Foundation will send “STEAM kits” to each student in advance of the program. The innovative kits contain STEAM-related activities (ranging from kelp beads to mosaics that mimic the tiles of the Neptune Pool) that go along with the live instruction. To maximize engagement, students will share photos of completed activities on a digital Padlet tool. The package also includes a stainless steel water bottle gift from the Foundation, an example of sustainability, another program theme.
Robyn Chase, State Park Interpreter II, California State Parks, elaborates, “The STEAM kits bring the virtual experience to life by allowing students to engage in a hands-on experience. We craft small-group live sessions to offer a unique community space, where these learners can showcase their work and appreciate each other’s creations.”
“What’s the point of conserving and restoring this place, if not to inspire kids to dream bigger?” asks Abe Marquez, president of the board at The Foundation at Hearst Castle. “Hearst Castle can introduce them to not only groundbreaking architecture and engineering concepts, but to history and art from around the world.”
The Foundation at Hearst Castle sponsors the unique program — including logistics, STEAM kits, and tours — at no cost to qualifying schools. The nonprofit aspires to expand education opportunities at Hearst Castle by supporting the most engaged young visitors, inviting them back for special two-day on-site conferences (slated to launch in 2022), and eventually providing college scholarships.
President Marquez adds, “You can see the world by visiting Hearst Castle!”
***
Apply for the STEAM program
With the reopen date of Hearst Castle unknown, The Foundation is working with State Parks staff to book virtual STEAM Program groups now. Available Wednesday through Friday. Teachers are encouraged to review qualification guidelines before submitting an application.
Support the mission
Since 1985, the 501c3 nonprofit has helped to sustain Hearst Castle and conserve its art collection. In 2018, the foundation launched an education program for underserved youth. Funds are raised by donation, annual membership, and planned giving opportunities.
Learn more about giving options and membership benefits.
About The Foundation
The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.