The Elementary Institute of Science

What The Elementary Institute of Science does

The Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1964 in San Diego that delivers hands-on STEM education to youth ages 7–18 in southeast San Diego, with priority access for students from Title I schools and underrepresented populations in STEM. Core offerings span the K-12 age range and include After-School & Saturday Programs (Science & Art Academy, Robotics Academy, Mathemagicians Club), seasonal Camps (summer, spring, Thanksgiving), the FIRE (Future Innovators in Robotics & Engineering) program with Botball teams, the Girls Take Flight drone program producing FAA-certified remote pilots, the Teen STEAM Cafe, the Lab Assistant high school volunteer program, and Steps-2-STEM, which delivers weekly in-lab instruction to all 11 elementary schools in the Lincoln cluster. Operational infrastructure centers on a 15,000-square-foot purpose-built facility at 608 51st Street, San Diego, constructed in 2004 via a $6 million community capital campaign, equipped with biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, robotics, 3D printing, and marine science labs. The organization also operates the EIS Innovation Lab (launched 2025), which integrates Google NotebookLM-generated content into AI-augmented middle school curriculum, and partners with Teton Science Schools for residential wilderness expeditions.

The business model is a nonprofit hybrid of program tuition, contributed revenue, and in-kind support. Fee-based programs charge approximately $300 per 10-week semester or summer camp session, with sibling/military discounts and need-based scholarships tied to free/reduced lunch eligibility. The majority of operating support comes from a diversified portfolio of corporate sponsors (Qualcomm as Rhodium-level supporter, SDG&E, Bristol Myers Squibb, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, General Atomics, Macy's, BAE Systems, Pfizer, PNC Foundation), foundation grants (San Diego Foundation, David C. Copley Foundation, Sycuan Tribal Government, Price Family Foundation), government grants (City of San Diego, County of San Diego, San Diego Unified School District), individual donations processed via Give Lively with DAFpay integration, and pro-bono services (legal counsel from Sheppard Mullin). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: families enroll via the Sawyer for Business registration platform and word-of-mouth, school partnerships generate classroom referrals, and awareness is built through newsletters, social media, and community events such as the Southeast Science and Art Expo and Walter Munk Day. The organization is led by Executive Director Sarah Tuakli Cooper (appointed 2025) and governed by a 17-member Board of Directors plus an Advisory Council that includes senior representatives from Tesla, Johnson & Johnson, Qualcomm, Sony, and ASML.

Name

The Elementary Institute of Science

Legal name

Elementary Institute of Science

Website

https://eisca.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Elementary Institute of Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1964 in southeast San Diego delivering hands-on STEM education programs (camps, after-school classes, robotics, drone FAA certification) to youth ages 7–18, with priority access for Title I school students and underrepresented populations in STEM fields.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 STEM Education Services

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science Camps & Field Programs (Nature, Space, Marine, Geology) (EDAMABAB), Robotics & Engineering Summer Camps / Bootcamps (EDAMADAF), Science & STEM Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAH)

Keywords

• Youth STEM education
• After-school science programs
• Robotics engineering camps
• Drone technology education
• School partnership enrichment

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Tuition Fees: Fee-for-service programs including Saturday/Semester programs ($300 per 10-week semester), summer camps ($300 per student), and robotics clubs. Financial aid and scholarships based on free/reduced lunch eligibility are available.
2. Individual Donations: Recurring monthly donations, one-time gifts, memorial/tribute donations, and Donor Advised Fund (DAF) contributions. Supported by individual community members, volunteers, and program alumni.
3. Corporate & Foundation Grants/Sponsorships: Funding from corporations (Qualcomm, SDG&E, Bristol Myers Squibb, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, General Atomics, Macy's, etc.) and foundations (San Diego Foundation, David C. Copley Foundation, Zable Foundation, etc.). Includes program sponsorships, endowed gifts, and challenge grants.
4. Government Grants: Support from City of San Diego, County of San Diego, and San Diego Unified School District through community enhancement and neighborhood reinvestment grants.
5. In-Kind Support: Volunteer time, pro-bono services (legal support from Sheppard Mullin), and in-kind contributions from supporters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Elementary Institute of Science is a 501c3 nonprofit that delivers hands-on STEM education to children and youth ages 7 through 18 in southeast San Diego. Its core offerings include after-school and Saturday classes, summer/spring/Thanksgiving camps, the FIRE robotics and engineering program for girls, the Girls Take Flight drone certification program, the Steps-2-STEM school partnership for Lincoln cluster elementary schools, Teen STEAM Cafe events, peer tutoring, and the new EIS Innovation Lab incorporating AI-integrated experiences.

Product overview

The Elementary Institute of Science is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of hands-on STEM education programs for children and youth in San Diego. The core offerings include After-School & Saturday Programs (Science & Art Academy, Robotics Academy, Mathemagicians Club), multi-season Camps (Summer, Spring, Thanksgiving), and specialized initiatives like the FIRE program (Future Innovators in Robotics & Engineering) with its Girls Take Flight drone program and Middle School Botball Team. Additional programs include Teen STEAM Cafe, Lab Assistant Program, Step-2-STEM school partnership, Teton Science Schools wilderness expeditions, and the new EIS Innovation Lab incorporating AI-integrated experiences. The organization also partners with the Giving Circle Foundation for free Peer Tutoring. Programs serve ages 7 through high school with focus on underrepresented communities in STEM.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FIRE (Future Innovators in Robotics & Engineering): Intensive engineering and computer science programs for middle and high school girls, including drone technology, robotics, and coding.
• Girls Take Flight
• Steps-2-STEM
• Teen STEAM Cafe
• EIS Innovation Lab

Products and services

• After-School & Saturday Programs Hands-on STEM enrichment programs for students ages 7-13, including the Science & Art Academy and Robotics Academy. Classes meet on Saturdays with 10-week semester sessions covering topics like Video Game Design, Chemistry, Biology, Cooking, and Ecology, with a maximum 12:1 student-instructor ratio.
• Camps (Summer, Spring, Thanksgiving) Multi-day themed camp programs offered during school breaks. Students in grades 2-8 explore STEM content areas through hands-on lab activities, guest presentations, and field trips.
• Future Innovators in Robotics & Engineering (FIRE) Intensive engineering and computer science programs for middle and high school girls, led by female coaches and role models. Includes FIRE Up! technology camp and the Middle School Girls Botball Team.
• Girls Take Flight Innovative drone technology program for high school girls at Title I schools. Includes a week-long drone camp and a 24-week practicum leading to FAA remote pilot certification and participant stipends of up to $2,500.
• Teen STEAM Cafe Free events for high school teens integrating Step Outside activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Includes outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, beach clean-ups, and mindfulness sessions.
• Lab Assistant Program High school student volunteer program providing behind-the-scenes STEM experience. Students assist instructors and earn volunteer hours.
• Steps-2-STEM STEM enrichment program serving 4th and 5th grade students from SDUSD Lincoln cluster elementary schools. Students visit EIS weekly for five weeks, rotating through four STEM labs for 20-25 hours of hands-on learning. Served 1,316 students in the 2024-2025 school year.
• Teton Science Schools Wilderness Expeditions High school program providing wilderness science expeditions at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Includes backcountry camping and field research projects for high school credit.
• Peer Tutoring Program Free tutoring program for middle and high school students provided in partnership with The Giving Circle Foundation. Includes academic support in Math, English, History, Science, and SAT/ACT prep.
• Mathemagicians Club Free math enrichment opportunity for students in 1st grade and up, meeting Saturdays from 12-1pm at EIS.
• EIS Innovation Lab New initiative reimagining STEM learning for middle school students through hands-on, community-connected, and AI-integrated experiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11,100 elementary students served since 2016 through Steps-2-STEM program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ocean Discovery InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Like-minded science education nonprofit that held its annual staff retreat at EIS in December 2025. Teams explored how EIS teaches STEM, coded and flew drones, and participated in science experiments together.
• Tree San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Environmental nonprofit partnering with EIS for tree planting events including a SciTech Tuesday event on November 25, 2025, in collaboration with City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department.
• Vertex PharmaceuticalscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Volunteers from Vertex participated in tree planting and garden bed work at EIS during their global Week of Service. Company also provides funding for Steps-2-STEM program.
• The Giving Circle FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Partners with EIS to provide FREE Peer Tutoring Program for middle and high school students in Math, English, History, Science, and test preparation. Also provides pizza for SciTech Tuesday events.
• San Diego Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district for Steps-2-STEM program and other initiatives. District provides facilities and support for EIS school partnership programs.
• CREATE at UC San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for Southeast San Diego Science & Art Expo and summer camp field trips/experiences.
• Our Genetic LegacycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Girls Take Flight program, infusing genomics and drones to uncover hidden BIPOC history. Guest speaker for drone camp.
• Ocean ConnectorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization that led field trips to the Living Coast Discovery Center at San Diego Bay for spring camp students.
• I Love A Clean San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner bringing hands-on sessions on watersheds, ecology, and climate for spring Nature Explorers camp.
• Sheppard MullinminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLaw firm providing pro-bono legal support to EIS.
• EducreatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Textile Arts and Science programming at EIS, teaching chemistry through natural dyes, geography through global textile traditions, and engineering through weaving and digital design.
• Zero Waste San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with EIS and Educreate for Textile Arts and Science program focused on sustainability and waste reduction.
• Lincoln High School Biomed ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong participation from Lincoln High School Biomed Club at SciTech Tuesday events. Students present on biomedical topics and connect with mentors.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Code.org: Major nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science education, particularly for women and underrepresented students. Tangentially comparable to EIS's robotics and computer science offerings but operates at a much larger scale.
• Project Lead The Way: Large national nonprofit providing STEM curriculum and teacher training across thousands of K-12 schools. Wider scale and scope than EIS but addresses the same hands-on STEM learning space for K-12 students.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large national youth development nonprofit offering after-school programming including STEM enrichment. Comparable in mission to serve underserved youth through supplemental programs, though STEM is one of many focus areas.

Direct peers

• Iridescent (Curiosity Machine): STEM education nonprofit delivering family-centered engineering and science programs to underserved communities. Comparable in pairing hands-on STEM learning with family engagement and serving underrepresented populations.
• Girlstart: National nonprofit empowering girls in STEM through after-school programs, summer camps, and community-based STEM education. Directly comparable to EIS's FIRE and Girls Take Flight programs in mission and delivery model.
• Ocean Discovery Institute: San Diego-based nonprofit providing hands-on science education to underserved youth, with a similar mission and geographic focus. Listed in EIS's partnerships as a like-minded peer organization whose staff held retreats at EIS.
• Techbridge Girls: National nonprofit providing STEM programming for girls from under-resourced communities, focused on career exposure and STEM identity development. Strong analogy to EIS's FIRE and Girls Take Flight programs.
• Black Girls CODE: Nonprofit providing technology education and exposure to underrepresented girls, with after-school clubs, summer camps, and workshops. Closely aligned with EIS's mission to increase representation of girls and minorities in STEM careers.
• Citizen Schools: National nonprofit providing expanded learning time and STEM/career-focused apprenticeships to underserved middle school students. Comparable in serving underrepresented youth through hands-on, mentor-driven STEM programming.
• STEM NOLA: New Orleans-based nonprofit offering hands-on STEM programming and STEM enrichment camps to underserved youth. Directly comparable in targeting underrepresented populations and delivering experiential STEM learning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/groups/AlumniConnectEIS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elementary-institute-of-science

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles24 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Elementary Institute of Science