This year, New Leaf Collaborative reached more than 4,300 students across 10 partner school sites through hands-on science, garden-based learning, environmental literacy, and youth leadership programs.

From Community Science and Garden Workshops to EcoKids and student Green Teams, our programs continue to create meaningful opportunities for young people to explore the natural world, build new skills, and become active participants in their communities.

Our work also extended beyond the classroom through community garden projects, environmental outreach, volunteers, and partnerships throughout Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

Explore our 2025–2026 Impact Report below to see what we accomplished together and the students, educators, volunteers, donors, and community partners who made it possible.

Curious minds. Connected communities. Lasting impact.

4,323 Students Reached. 10 Partner Schools. One Mission to Inspire the Next Generation.

At New Leaf Collaborative, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world. Through hands-on science education, environmental literacy, school garden programs, and youth leadership opportunities, we're helping students across Contra Costa and Solano Counties develop curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for their environment.

Our 2025–2026 school year was filled with meaningful learning experiences, community partnerships, and measurable impact. Thanks to our dedicated educators, volunteers, community sponsors, and generous donors, we continued expanding opportunities for local youth.

Our Impact by the Numbers

During the 2025–2026 school year, New Leaf Collaborative achieved:

• 4,323 students reached through educational programming

• 10 partner school sites across Contra Costa and Solano Counties

• 132 community volunteers supporting our mission

• 12 community garden and outreach events

• 2,509 students participating in hands-on science workshops

• 1,104 students receiving garden-based nature education

• 3,660 Martinez students learning about environmental stewardship

• 324 student leaders participating in school Green Teams

These numbers represent thousands of opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences beyond traditional classroom instruction.

Hands-On Science Education That Sparks Curiosity

Our Community Science Workshops bring science to life through interactive experiments, discovery, and collaborative learning.

During the 2025–2026 school year, 2,509 students across seven school sites participated in hands-on science education designed to complement classroom learning.

Students explored scientific concepts through experiments, observation, problem-solving, and teamwork. These experiences encourage critical thinking while helping children discover the excitement of scientific exploration.

By supporting New Leaf Collaborative, donors help make engaging science education accessible to more students in our local communities.

Connecting Students With Nature Through School Gardens

Outdoor learning creates opportunities for children to explore the natural environment while developing a deeper understanding of plants, ecosystems, and sustainability.

Through our Community Garden Workshops, 1,104 students at five school sites participated in garden-based nature education.

Students learned through direct interaction with the environment, discovering the importance of healthy ecosystems, sustainable gardening, and environmental responsibility.

These experiences encourage students to become thoughtful stewards of the natural world while strengthening their connection to their schools and communities.

EcoKids Summer Workshops: Learning, Creativity, and Opportunity

New Leaf Collaborative celebrated its 10th annual EcoKids Summer Workshops, providing interactive environmental education and creative learning opportunities for elementary and middle school students.

The program welcomed:

• 41 students in grades 2 through 6

• 7 high school Youth Mentors

• 4 junior high Youth Mentors in training

• 7 children receiving full scholarships

Through hands-on activities, creative projects using recycled materials, and environmental exploration, EcoKids encourages curiosity, collaboration, and learning.

Scholarships are an important part of making these educational experiences accessible to families. Community donations help support opportunities for children to participate in programs like EcoKids, regardless of financial circumstances.

Developing the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

Environmental education goes beyond teaching students about sustainability. It empowers them to take meaningful action within their schools and communities.

Through New Leaf Collaborative's EcoLiteracy and Green Team Student Leadership programs:

• 3,660 Martinez students received instruction in watershed stewardship, waste reduction, recycling, proper waste sorting, and the environmental impact of litter.

• 324 students served in leadership roles on school Green Teams, helping their peers develop responsible waste management habits.

These programs support environmental awareness and provide students with practical leadership experience.

By helping young people understand how their daily actions affect the environment, we're building a foundation for stronger, more sustainable communities.

Strengthening Our Community Through Environmental Stewardship

New Leaf Collaborative's impact extends beyond the classroom.

During the 2025–2026 year, our team and community volunteers:

• Hosted six community garden events focused on native, water-wise gardening along the Alhambra Native Plant Trail.

• Participated in six community outreach events to share environmental education and connect with local families.

• Transformed a lawn at the Boys & Girls Club of Contra Costa into a mixed-use pollinator garden, significantly reducing water usage at the site.

These projects demonstrate how environmental education, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement can create lasting improvements in the places where we live and learn.

How Community Support Makes Our Work Possible

New Leaf Collaborative is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to providing hands-on learning and leadership opportunities in science, nature, and environmental literacy.

Our 2025–2026 funding came from three primary sources:

• 59.9% Program service revenue

• 35.1% Public grants

• 5% Individual and business contributions

Community donations are an important part of supporting our mission and creating opportunities for continued growth.

Our work is made possible through partnerships with local organizations, businesses, public agencies, volunteers, and individuals who believe in the value of experiential education.

We are grateful for the support of the City of Martinez, Marathon Petroleum Company LP, Martinez Community Foundation, Whole Kids, Martinez Kiwanis Club, Republic Services, and our many additional community partners and individual donors.

Your Donation Helps Inspire the Next Generation

Every student who participates in a science experiment, explores a school garden, attends an environmental workshop, or takes on a leadership role represents an investment in the future of our community.

When you donate to New Leaf Collaborative, you help support:

• Hands-on science education for local students

• Outdoor learning and school garden programs

• Environmental literacy and sustainability education

• Youth leadership development

• EcoKids summer learning opportunities and scholarships

• Community gardening and environmental stewardship projects

Your generosity helps us continue providing meaningful educational experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and connect young people with the world around them.

Help Us Grow Our Impact: Donate to New Leaf Collaborative

As we look toward another year of learning and discovery, we invite you to be part of our mission.

Whether you're an individual donor, local business, community organization, or foundation, your support helps us continue inspiring young minds and strengthening communities through environmental education.

Make a donation today and help create more opportunities for local students to learn, explore, and lead.

Donations can be made through PayPal, Stripe, donor-advised funds through DAF Direct, or by mailing a check payable to New Leaf Collaborative.

Mailing Address:New Leaf CollaborativeP.O. Box 131Martinez, CA 94553

Website: https://newleafcollaborative.orgEmail: info@newleafcollaborative.orgFederal Tax ID: 47-1698672

Together, we can inspire curious minds, nurture environmental leaders, and build more connected communities.