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Our Programs

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation (SLF) strives to promote human interaction and encourage broader community access to science, education, and the arts.

San Onofre & Beyond

Mission: Advocating for accurate monitoring, safe storage & moving of 3.6 million lbs. of deadly toxic nuclear waste

Direct Program - Launched in 2019

Science, Education

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation advocates for safe nuclear waste storage, accurate radiation monitoring and the eventual moving of 3.6 million lbs. of deadly toxic nuclear waste currently stored at San Onofre. The San Onofre nuclear waste dump is 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean, in an active earthquake and tsunami zone. We also support groups like Mothers for Peace addressing similar issues at Diablo Canyon and beyond.

Our goal is to blend global nuclear waste research and industry expertise with political efforts, fostering a conducive environment resulting in nuclear waste monitoring, safe storage, and transportation to a secure long-term facility.

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Dance Start

Mission: To provide life-changing opportunities for underrepresented children through early exposure to classical dance and music.

Direct Program - Launched in 2019

Art, Education

Dance Start seeks to enrich the education and development of young children enrolled in Head Start, Boys' and Girls' clubs and other community service agencies throughout San Diego County. Through year-long and summer intensive classes, it offers the proven benefits of early exposure to creative movement and classical music while developing self-esteem and collaboration. This program democratizes dance, leading to more diverse representation of our youth and providing growth opportunities for instructors . For over 12 years, Dance Start has brought the joy of dance and music and the discipline this training provides to San Diego's youth.

Past and current program partners include San Diego State University’s Dance Department, Boys' and Girls' clubs, King Chavez schools, San Diego Parks and Recreation, Southwestern College, Neighborhood House Association, Episcopalian Community Services and Easter Seals.

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"Brilliance Exposed" Photograph Exhibition

Mission: To motivate future professionals of diverse backgrounds through a National Photographic Exhibition

Fiscal Sponsoree - Partnered in 2021

Arts

Organizers of the "Brilliance Exposed" Photographic Exhibition are gathering photographs and interviews of 50 scientists, technologists, engineers, artists and mathematicians.

Goals for 2023 include processing the images and videos of the interview, outlining a coffee table book and identifying locations across the country to display the materials.

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Nevado Del Ruiz

Mission: Using digital storytelling to inspire youth-led climate action and preserve Nevado del Ruiz by showing how one journey can spark global change.

FISCAL SPONSOREE | PARTNERED IN 2025

Science, Education

In 2008, Brian and his friend and co-director Daniel stood at the base of Nevado del Ruiz and witnessed a profound transformation. What they saw was more than a disappearing glacier—it was a wake-up call.
That moment sparked a 16-year journey of exploration and activism. Neither scientist nor seasoned activist, Brian sought to understand and document the evolving crisis, engaging with communities, youth, and global movements along the way.

Brian’s journey included giving talks to schools' children, walking alongside climate activists, and joining pivotal events in the global climate movement. Through these encounters, the film reflects a growing awareness: that we all have a role to play in addressing the climate crisis, no matter how ordinary or small we might feel.

Today, the urgency is undeniable. From “global warming” to “climate change” to “global boiling,” the stakes are rising. But with collective and growing action, hope is a north.

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Barrio Botany

Mission: Cultivating healthy, happy, nature-connected kids

FISCAL SPONSOREE | PARTNERED IN 2014

Education

Barrio Botany provides urban San Diego school students with garden-based experiential learning opportunities that improve academic achievement, enhance environmental literacy, and inspire lifelong health and wellness. The garden program creates a vibrant outdoor learning environment where students learn to grow fresh produce. Students gain horticulture knowledge, greater respect for their environment, and enjoy delicious food from their harvests.

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation encourages the development of the program and hopes to expand the life-changing program into common curriculum.

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Social Justice in Uniontown, Alabama

Mission: To provide culturally relevant services for victims of domestic violence and environmental injustices

Fiscal Sponsoree - Partnered in 2017

Education

SLF has worked with Uniontown community leaders to resolve serious environmental problems facing the community. With research and support from air pollution scientists and legal experts, the residents of Uniontown are better able to fight for justice and their community vision.

For 2023, projects in Uniontown include food justice, continued monitoring of contamination from a landfill and, in cooperation with Cornell University, working to clean up a historic cemetery.

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Floating Schools of Bangladesh

Mission: To transform the region's waterways into pathways for education, information, and technology

DIRECT PROGRAM | LAUNCHED IN 2018

Science, Education

Shidulai Swanirvar Sangstha, also known as Floating Schools of Bangladesh, was founded by Rezwan in response to Bangladesh's experience of changing weather patterns due to climate change. Recently, education programs traveling via this fleet of education boats have seen a 100% passing rate of student's annual exams, a 53% increase in family income, and success towards ending violence against children.

The success of the Floating Schools have been documented in books such as "A Floating School" and Hodder Cambridge's English as a Second Language textbook.

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Join the Race to Make the World a Better Place

We take great pride in our mission and accomplishments. SLF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that incubates young, change-making organizations.

Your tax-deductible donation will fund advancements in science, education, and the arts.

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