Nonprofit Spotlight: Eagle Eye Institute

Eagle Eye Institute, based in Peru, Massachusetts, provides nature-based learning programs that foster youth well-being, belonging, and empowerment. A regional leader in environmental education, it partners with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs and city schools to integrate nature into youth development, building environmental awareness, leadership skills, and pathways to environmental careers.

What They Do

The Institute offers single-day and weekly afterschool programs that use community stewardship to build youth leadership and a sense of place. Through its Champion program, it also trains young adults 18 and above to lead youth in nature exploration.

The signature Learn About Forests™ program is a full-day immersion for ages 8 to 24, combining hands-on learning with outdoor professionals, games, teambuilding, and stewardship to expand environmental literacy and raise awareness of career pathways. Urban Stewardship Projects are one-day service-learning experiences that connect youth to local natural sites and local environmental organizations through activities such as trail work, invasive species removal, gardening, cleanup, and tree planting. Each project is designed to encourage youth to protect local natural resources while developing responsibility and cultivating leadership skills.

E.A.G.L.E. Club, the Institute’s weekly afterschool program, focuses on agriculture, cities, water, and forests, with multi-week units that include guest instructors and field trips connecting learning to the broader community.

Their Impact

Over the last 35 years, Eagle Eye Institute has served over 5,000 urban youth from cities like Boston, Holyoke, and Springfield to develop environmental literacy, a feeling of belonging in natural settings, and a sense of responsibility. By connecting youth with natural resource professionals and mentors, it also opens pathways to environmental careers.

Learn more about Eagle Eye Institute at https://eagleeyei.org.

Eagle Eye Institute is currently participating in Nonprofit Net's Leadership Acceleration Program, engaging in a year of leadership growth and strategic partnership.