3 Langdon Sq Apt 5
Cambridge, MA 02138

February 27th, 2011

Dear Grant Selection Committee Members,

I am writing this letter in support of Eagle Eye Institute. Eagle Eye provides the opportunity for urban youth to have an introduction to the natural world through Learn About Forest (LAF) programs. LAF programs involve bringing youth to farms or nature preserves, taking them on a walk through a wooded area, having natural resource professionals teach lessons, and working on a stewardship project at the property they are visiting. 

I became involved with Eagle Eye when an Eagle Eye intern reached out to Tufts Mountain Club members for help running a LAF program. As an active Tufts University alumnus with a love of hiking and ecology, I was excited about getting involved with Eagle Eye. I have a geology background and got started with Eagle Eye in the capacity of an instructor. I have since volunteered as an instructor for several LAF programs. My experience with Eagle Eye has been extremely rewarding. LAF programs have opened my eyes to the value of reaching out to urban youth. The youth show so much curiosity and excitement about being in a new place and learning about the natural world. It has also been remarkable to see the youth undergo a dramatic transformation over the course of a LAF. Some of the youth that I worked with have gone from being nervous and unhappy being on the farm to being fiercely excited about the stewardship work and leaving with an intense desire to return.

I have also had the chance to learn a great deal during my time with Eagle Eye. Every time I teach a lesson on a LAF program it provides insight about how to capture the interest of the youth and how to make them care about the things we teach them. I have been able to put the things I learn into practice not only during future LAF programs but also in other endeavors. Eagle Eye helped me to develop the skills and confidence to lead a youth corps for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. MY work with Eagle Eye has been rewarding not only on a personal level but it has also provided me valuable job skills. 
 
Eagle Eye has a lot to offer current Tufts students and alumni. Eagle Eye provides a great opportunity for students and alumni looking to give back to the local community and to gain experience working with youth. Many Tufts students care a great deal about the natural world  and Eagle Eye is a great place for these people to share their passion with young people in a way that can be profoundly positive. Eagle Eye provides a unique way for alumni and students to gain experience working with youth in an outdoor setting while also helping increase environmental awareness within the communities around Tufts. 

Eagle Eye has had a positive impact on my life and can provide a similar benefit to other alumni and current Tufts students. Eagle Eye would be a great beneficiary of additional funding. 

Sincerely,

Kipp Callahan