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.
Visit our Nuclear Safety section for more information.
"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.
Open Door for Art
Mission: To connect youth and families to enriching experiences in the arts
Direct Program - Launched in 2010
Arts
The Samuel Lawrence Foundation connects youth and their families with enriching experiences in the arts across music and dance. Annually, SLF partners with various performing arts groups to provide families and youth tickets to music and dance performances.
We believe this opportunity for students and their families to attend a classical symphony concert or ballet performance free of cost cultivates our collective community appreciation of the impact the arts have in society.
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.
Barrio Botany
Mission: Cultivating healthy, happy, nature-connected kids
Fiscal Sponsoree - Partnered in 2014
Science, 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.
DanceStart
Mission: To instill a sense of joy and discipline that accompanies dance movement for young children enrolled in Head Start
Direct Program - Launched in 2019
Education, Arts
Dance Start seeks to enrich the education and development of children enrolled in Head Start by teaching dance movement, democratizing dance and leading to more diverse representation in dancers and instruction. This program teaches choreography, rhythm, and music appreciation to Head Start centers around San Diego County.
Fall of 2022 saw a partnership with San Diego State University’s Dance Department to bring in college students as instructors for our dance classes.
Floating Schools of Bangladesh
Mission: To transform the region's waterways into pathways for education, information, and technology
Fiscal Sponsoree - Partnered in 2016
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.
Top to Top
Mission: To inspire youth to save our planet
Fiscal Sponsoree - Partnered in 2016
Science, Education
TOP to TOP seeks to inspire all children for a better future. The Swiss family, along with volunteers, share and spread the joy of sports and environmental action. Through various means of travel, the family delivers critical messages of climate change and continues to build a strong network of global ambassadors to protect our climate.
They have educated over 100,000 students on the benefits of recycling, reducing waste, and limiting carbon footprint. Their global climate expeditions across the 7-seas and 7-summits are truly groundbreaking.
Visit ToptoTop.org to check in on their latest expeditions!
Dually Noted
Mission: To break barriers between artists and audiences by breaking bread
Fiscal Sponsoree - Partnered in 2017
Arts
Dually Noted expands the arts scene and grows classical music audiences by presenting an engaging classical music dining event. The Samuel Lawrence Foundation helps provide connections and funds to continue this unique sensory and social experience, allowing people to appreciate classical music up-close in a personalized, intimate setting.
This musical program exposes listeners to classical music using cross-sensory methods to convey the importance and relevance of this art form today.
Climate Resilience Initiative
Mission: Advocating for safest storage of radioactive waste
Direct Program - Launched in 2018
Science, Education
With growing concern about global climate change, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation
organized the Climate Resilience Initiative to extend education towards clean energy technology, mediation-based communication, student-voter mobilization, and beyond.
Inspired by the youth, SLF joins community advocates and high school education efforts to advance a renewable energy future that addresses the radioactive waste piling up around the nation. SLF reinforces the power each individual has in becoming an informed voter who ensures their representatives advocate for the wellbeing of our communities.
Gut Microbiome Research
Mission: To construct a microbial map for planet Earth
Fiscal Sponsoree - Partner in 2017
Science
The Samuel Lawrence Foundation supports the work of Dr. Christine Tara Peterson, PhD for her groundbreaking work in gut health at UCSD.
Her publications are integral in the
advancement of gut microbiome research and immunology as she continues to find solutions for health ailments. Most recently she made strides in identifying novel therapeutic approaches to intestinal permeability diseases such as leaky gut.
Currently she partners with the San Diego Botanical Garden as part of a research collaboration with their Medicinal Plants Consortium and Global Plants Collection.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
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.
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.