Advancing Education, Sparking Discoveries, Supporting Communities

Sustainability

Sustainability is in our DNA. We support initiatives that not only employ innovative sustainable practices, but inspire a more sustainable way of life. You’ll see these ideas alive at The Island School, from an aquaponic growing system in the dining hall to solar panels and wind turbines generating renewable energy. In classrooms at Deep Creek Middle School at The Island School, students learn how to care for their place through hands-on experiences on- and off-island. And at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, research discoveries inform local and global policy to reduce environmental impact and model sustainable systems for other island states.

Education & Access

The programs we support develop leaders who drive and inspire change, and we’re actively looking to expand access to this kind of transformational education. One in four Island School Semester students receive tuition assistance thanks to scholarship funds—at an average of 75% tuition coverage—and we recruit and support candidates from underserved communities for whom high school study abroad options would otherwise be out of reach. At Deep Creek Middle School, we offset tuition for students by over 80%, advancing access to high-quality education for the young people of South Eleuthera. 

Research & Innovation

Promoting the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems through scientific research has been part of our driving purpose from the beginning. With your support, we help to fund the Cape Eleuthera Institute, The Island school’s hub for innovation where world-class research scientists generate knowledge that deepens our understanding of these ecosystems, as well as atmospheric science, resource management, and food security. Students of all ages are invited to collaborate with and learn from these scientists, and findings flow outward to local and global decision makers. 

Local Community

Community building is a key part of shaping a more sustainable planet. We foster meaningful relationships with Eleuthera residents and invest in local capacity-building through education and conservation programs, like science gap year experiences for Bahamian students, teacher training with University of The Bahamas, and workforce development with One Eleuthera Foundation. Thanks to your support, our impact also extends to Deep Creek Middle School and Deep Creek Primary School, and other local groups. Read more about some of our grantees.

Professional Development

Cutting-edge research and transformational learning experiences are made possible because of dedicated people. We invest in professional training for teachers, researchers and staff on-staff teachers at The Island School and invite visiting experts to South Eleuthera. These investments promote long-term organizational sustainability, inspire program delivery, and contribute to a healthy culture of lifelong learning.

Campus & Infrastructure

Facilities, like The Island School, are a model for living sustainability, immersing learners of all ages in the principles of sustainable development and design. The Island School’s green campus is home to one of the country’s largest renewable energy system; the buildings and surrounding environment serve as teachers for students and offer an inspiring environment for researchers. We continue to invest in best-in-class sustainable practices and technologies, from recapturing rainwater to reducing campus waste to manufacturing the biodiesel that powers campus vehicles. In total, the community at South Eleuthera is a living laboratory, an example of what it means to live well in a place.