2023-08-04T08:05:28-04:00 2023-03-31 030325875 DAVIS & HODGDON ASSOCIATES CPAS PLC 33 BLAIR PARK RD STE 201 WILLISTON VT 05495 990 2022-04-01 030347288 LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN INC LEAH 8028641848 1 COLLEGE STREET BURLINGTON VT 054015215 EDWARD LAWSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 8028641848 2023-08-03 true EDWARD LAWSON 999009999 false BRET HODGDON P00497283 8028781963 2023-08-04 2022 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE EDWARD LAWSON 1 COLLEGE STREET BURLINGTON VT 05401 6715576 false X WWW.ECHOVERMONT.ORG X 1994 VT ECHO'S MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE FAMILIES IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 18 18 89 75 81622 3354101 4007914 1053169 1328915 423199 316641 335886 756345 5166355 6409815 0 0 2440690 2212473 0 222027 2074396 2429829 4515086 4642302 651269 1767513 20143698 21107945 498252 426198 19645446 20681747 X ECHO'S MISSION IS TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE FAMILIES IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. false false 3756197 1713657 THE PUBLIC FACE OF THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN INC. (DBA ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN OR ECHO) IS AN INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND NATURE MUSEUM LOCATED ON THE BURLINGTON WATERFRONT. OPEN DAILY, ECHO ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO VIEW THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AS PART OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD AND TO EXPLORE, LEARN ABOUT, AND CONSIDER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEWARDSHIP. SINCE 1995, WE HAVE TAUGHT MORE THAN 3 MILLION VISITORS ABOUT THE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN OUR CULTURE AND LIVES. ECHO LEVERAGES ITS UNIQUE SETTING TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE FAMILIES IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. VISITORS EXPLORE OVER 100 INTERACTIVE FAMILY EXPERIENCES, 70 LIVE SPECIES, SEASONAL CHANGING EXHIBITS, AND OUR NORTHFIELD SAVINGS BANK IMMERSIVE 3D THEATER. NEW IN 2020, ECHO HAS BEEN REINVENTED BY ALL NEW PERMANENT AND HIGHLY INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXHIBITS, AWESOME FORCES AND ENGINEER IT. VISITORS OF ALL AGES TACKLE DAILY ENGINEERING CHALLENGES AT OUR TINKERING BENCH AND TEST ZONES AS WELL AS DELIGHT IN DISCOVERING THE AMAZING PROCESSES THAT HAVE SHAPED THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN AND OUR EARTH. TO LEARN MORE VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.ECHOVERMONT.ORG/. THE NONPROFIT IS GOVERNED BY A 15-MEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHO RETAINS RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFINING ECHO'S OVERALL STRATEGIC DIRECTION, ENSURING THE INSTITUTION REMAINS ON TRACK AND ACHIEVES ITS GOALS. THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ECHO BOARD FALL IN THE AREAS OF FINANCE, FUNDRAISING, STRATEGY, AND POLICY. AS A GENERAL MATTER, BOARD MEMBERS ARE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN ECHO'S DAILY OPERATIONS, AS THESE DUTIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT. BOARD MEMBERS SIT ON ONE OF FOUR COMMITTEES THAT MEET MULTIPLE TIMES ANNUALLY: POLICY & GOVERNANCE, PLANNING & FINANCE, AUDIT & ETHICS, AND STEWARDSHIP. THE ENTIRE BOARD MEETS QUARTERLY WITHIN THE FISCAL YEAR. PRINCIPAL PROGRAMS & ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SUPPORTED BY MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS AND AN INFORMED UNDERSTANDING OF AUDIENCE NEED, ECHO PROVIDES HIGH-IMPACT SCIENCE-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN AND OUTSIDE OUR WALLS. PUBLIC MUSEUM: 170,000 ANNUAL VISITORS INCLUDING 75,000 CHILDREN, 5,500 MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS, 15,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN. ECHO IS DEDICATED TO BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS SO THAT ALL VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE THE MUSEUM. ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY BY CONNECTING THE PUBLIC TO MORE THAN 70 NATIVE SPECIES OF FISH, AMPHIBIANS, AND REPTILES. ECHO EARLY LEARNING: EEL IS ENGAGING THE NEW AMERICAN, REFUGEE, AND UNDER- SERVED POPULATIONS TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR TRANSITION TO FORMAL KINDERGARTEN. THIS FREE, WEEKLY, INFORMAL CARE PROGRAM SUPPORTS PLAY-BASED LEARNING FOR CHILD AND CAREGIVER TOGETHER; READING-READINESS; AND CAREGIVER LEARNING AND RESOURCES TO FOSTER SAFE, SUPPORTIVE, AND ENRICHING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN AT HOME. STATEWIDE STEM OUTREACH: THIS MOBILE PROJECT PROPOSES TO GROW THE CAPACITY OF RURAL VERMONT SCHOOLS THAT LACK SCIENCE SUBJECT SPECIALISTS TO DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY STEM OPPORTUNITIES TO LOW-RESOURCED STUDENTS. THE PROJECT WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS BY MARRYING OUR EXPERTISE IN CONSTRUCTIVIST TEACHING AND SCIENCE CONTENT, MATURING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOLS, AND LEVERAGING NATIONAL MUSEUM-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP MODELS. DURING THE PILOT PROGRAM - ECHO IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING GEOGRAPHIC EQUITY BY PARTNERING WITH ISOLATED, UNDERSERVED, AND LOW-RESOURCE SCHOOLS; SERVING A MINIMUM OF 500 TEACHERS, 3,000+ STUDENTS, AND 3,000+ FAMILY MEMBERS; BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BY STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN LOCAL COMPANIES AND SCHOOLS; AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES BY PROVIDING NETWORKS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH COMMUNITY BUILDING ENGAGEMENTS. TEACHER INSTITUTE: SUPPORTS STEM LEARNING, PROVIDING TEACHERS A CLEAR VISION OF BEST PRACTICES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING ON TIMELY TOPICS INCLUDING TRAUMA-INFORMED TEACHING, DISTANCE LEARNING TOOLS, UNIVERSAL DESIGN & DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY, AND VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES. IN ADDITION TO TRAINING IN EFFECTIVE STEM FACILITATION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, TEACHERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN ONGOING CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING VIA IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT VISITS TO CLASSROOMS AND VIDEOCONFERENCING. VIRTUAL AND IN-SERVICE WORKSHOPS WILL BE UTILIZED THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR TO LIMIT TEACHER TRAVEL TIME. E-TEAM: YEAR-LONG TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM INSPIRES 30+ 9TH-12TH GRADE HIGHLY DIVERSE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP CAREER SKILLS IN LEADERSHIP, GOAL SETTING, SOCIAL JUSTICE, PUBLIC SPEAKING, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION, FINANCIAL LITERACY, AND TEAMWORK. COLLEGE INTERN AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: ANNUALLY, 75 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GAIN CAREER-RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN ANIMAL CARE, SCIENCE EDUCATION, IT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND EVENT MANAGEMENT. RESPONDING TO SOCIAL JUSTICE IS A CORE VALUE: ECHO'S OPEN DOOR PROGRAM: A YEARLY COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM PARTNERING WITH MORE THAN 70+ SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE 33,000+ FREE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ADMISSION RECIPIENTS AND 3,500 COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIPS - STRIVES TO MAKE THE SCIENCE CENTER ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL. CREATED TO SPECIFICALLY BREAK DOWN FINANCIAL, GEOGRAPHIC, AND CULTURAL BARRIERS, ECHO FINDS AFFORDABLE AND EQUITABLE WAYS TO ALLOW ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR SERVICES AND RESOURCES. BY WORKING WITH AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF MORE THAN 70+ SOCIAL SERVICE PARTNERS WE REACH OUT TO LOW-RESOURCED FAMILIES, NEW AMERICANS, AND THE UNDERSERVED RESIDENTS IN THIS AREA, FOCUSING ON EVERYTHING FROM CHILDREN'S SPACES FOR OUR YOUNGEST COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE FAMILIES. IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS PROGRAM THAT MENTOR PAIRS ALL OVER VERMONT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE ECHO AT A DISCOUNTED RATE ANY DAY, NOT JUST ON COMMUNITY SCIENCE NIGHT. EQUITY, EMPOWERMENT, AND INCLUSION WE TAKE OUR ROLE AS A COMMUNITY SCIENCE AND NATURE CENTER SERIOUSLY, AND WE BELIEVE IN OUR PRIORITY OF BEING WELCOMING TO ALL. RECENT STAFF TRAININGS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION, SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY, GENDER AND IDENTITIES, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, AND SUPPORTING GUESTS AND VOLUNTEERS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. WE ARE ALSO PRIORITIZING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR GUESTS WITH SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY EVENT SERIES: ECHO UNDERSTANDS THAT MANY OF OUR EXHIBITS AND PUBLIC SPACES CAN BE OVERWHELMING TO THOSE WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROWDED. UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE BARRIERS THAT FAMILIES WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER FACE IN PUBLIC SPACES, ECHO HAS CREATED SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENTS THAT OPEN EARLY FOR FAMILIES WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO EXPLORE IN A MORE CALM AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. A CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL IS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION AND ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. MASKS ON SUNDAYS EVENT SERIES: ECHO IS SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT ARE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED. MONTHLY, ECHO OPENS FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO FIND A SAFE, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT WITH THEIR PARENTS, SIBLINGS AND OTHER CHILDREN. THIS IS A FREE AND EXCLUSIVE EVENT, DEVELOPED TO SERVE FAMILIES WITH A FAMILY MEMBER WHOSE HEALTH HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO COVID, BY A MEDICAL CONDITION, SPECIALIZED SURGICAL PROCEDURES OR MEDICAL TREATMENTS, THAT OTHERWISE PREVENTS THEM FROM PLAYING TOGETHER IN OUR FACILITY. A CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL IS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION AND ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. 3756197 true true false false false false false true false true true false false false true true true false false false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false true 10 0 89 true true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false X 18 18 false true false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false X DAVID BARDAGLIO 8028641848 1 COLLEGE STREET BURLINGTON VT 05401 KRISTIN CARLSON CHAIR 2.00 X X 0 0 0 IAN DAVIS VICE CHAIR 2.00 X X 0 0 0 LARRY WILLIAMS TREASURER 2.00 X X 0 0 0 SHIREEN HART SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 MICHELE ASCH BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 DR REBECCA BELL BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 GRACE AMAO CIFFO BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JANE CLIFFORD BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN DAY BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 DOUG GOLDSMITH BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 ANDREW HANSON BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL METZ BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JULIE MOORE BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 DON RENDALL BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 BILLY ST LOUIS BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 LYDIA ODE SLAUSON BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JULIE WON BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 STEPHANIE YOUNG BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 DR PHELAN FRETZ FORMER EXEC 0.00 X 165027 0 1760 DAVID BARDAGLIO DIRECTOR OF 40.00 X 118477 0 12083 CHARLES SMITH INTERIM E.D. 40.00 X 0 110700 0 EDWARD LAWSON EXECUTIVE DI 0.00 X 0 0 0 283504 110700 13843 2 false true false 283224 3724690 4007914 ADMISSIONS 713990 1243324 1243324 PROGRAM SERVICE REVENUE 713990 85391 85391 OTHER PROGRAM REVENUE 713990 200 200 1328915 172125 172125 414575 414575 414575 414575 144516 144516 144516 144516 647531 305761 341770 260148 81622 6409815 1733579 81622 586700 32118 26120 3012 2986 1831074 1489101 171737 170236 23482 19096 2203 2183 183770 149449 17235 17086 142029 115503 13321 13205 7168 7168 18850 18850 152040 152040 313611 137597 176014 124468 114380 10088 1939 235 1154 550 83690 82745 719 226 19722 19722 151762 150047 1305 410 7651 7267 226 158 17188 11753 4182 1253 190 190 932291 921756 8018 2517 43831 3481 40350 TEMPORARY EXHIBITS 123509 123509 MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES 90042 64118 25721 203 SUPPLIES AND EQUIP. RENT 89215 89215 BANK FEES 78440 75845 2595 174222 155258 18038 926 4642302 3756197 664078 222027 15979 31110 1568551 437243 347015 298745 4392 10382 59884 140007 85010 125362 19558158 11874579 8163236 7683579 9393242 11868471 506389 513046 20143698 21107945 348552 216468 149119 133318 581 76412 498252 426198 X 16503823 16016186 3141623 4665561 19645446 20681747 20143698 21107945 X 1767513 -731212 X false true X true false X 2362419 3468080 2808003 3354101 4007914 16000517 2362419 3468080 2808003 3354101 4007914 16000517 493560 15506957 369240 366953 131438 367169 586700 1821500 17822017 6049905 0.87010 0.86670 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1223602 896347 X X X false 9393242 3109700 -427419 -55012 -152040 11868471 8597804 669199 335616 -55640 -153737 9393242 6220116 2530669 -39743 -113328 8597804 6960815 156000 -793109 -103590 6220116 6686712 205400 160530 -91827 6960815 0.84490 0.15510 true false 12117729 5676136 6441593 7053953 5965886 1088067 386476 232557 153919 7683579 LEASE LIABILITIES 76263 GIFT ANNUITY PAYABLE 149 76412 X 5526373 -731212 -152040 -883252 6409625 190 190 6409815 4490072 -152040 -152040 4642112 190 190 4642302 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X ECHO ANNUALLY FILES AN IRS FORM 990, RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX, TAX RETURN IN THE U.S. FEDERAL JURISDICTION. ECHO IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXAMINATION BY TAX AUTHORITIES FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO MARCH 31, 2020. IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF BUSINESS, ECHO IS SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY VARIOUS TAXING AUTHORITIES. ALTHOUGH THE OUTCOME OF TAX AUDITS IS ALWAYS UNCERTAIN, THE MANAGEMENT OF ECHO BELIEVES THAT THERE ARE NO SIGNIFICANT UNRECOGNIZED TAX LIABILITIES AT MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XI, LINE 2D INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES -152,040 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 2D INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES -152,040 X X true false false false false false false false false DR PHELAN FRETZ FORMER EXEC DIRECTOR 165027 1529 231 166787 SCHEDULE J, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 4 DR. PHELAN FRETZ 89,028 0 0 CHARLES P SMITH MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC CONSULTING CONSULTANT 110700 PROVIDED INTERIM ED false SCHEDULE L, PART V CHARLIE SMITH, THE INTERIM ED, WAS THE PRINCIPAL OWNER OF CHARLES P. SMITH MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC CONSULTING, USED TO PROVIDE INTERIM ED SERVICES. FORM 990, PAGE 1, ITEM C ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A THE PUBLIC FACE OF THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN INC. (DBA ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN OR ECHO) IS AN INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND NATURE MUSEUM LOCATED ON THE BURLINGTON WATERFRONT. OPEN DAILY, ECHO ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO VIEW THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AS PART OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD AND TO EXPLORE, LEARN ABOUT, AND CONSIDER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEWARDSHIP. SINCE 1995, WE HAVE TAUGHT MORE THAN 3 MILLION VISITORS ABOUT THE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN OUR CULTURE AND LIVES. ECHO LEVERAGES ITS UNIQUE SETTING TO INSPIRE AND ENGAGE FAMILIES IN THE JOY OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, WONDER OF NATURE, AND CARE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. VISITORS EXPLORE OVER 100 INTERACTIVE FAMILY EXPERIENCES, 70 LIVE SPECIES, SEASONAL CHANGING EXHIBITS, AND OUR NORTHFIELD SAVINGS BANK IMMERSIVE 3D THEATER. NEW IN 2020, ECHO HAS BEEN REINVENTED BY ALL NEW PERMANENT AND HIGHLY INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXHIBITS, AWESOME FORCES AND ENGINEER IT. VISITORS OF ALL AGES TACKLE DAILY ENGINEERING CHALLENGES AT OUR TINKERING BENCH AND TEST ZONES AS WELL AS DELIGHT IN DISCOVERING THE AMAZING PROCESSES THAT HAVE SHAPED THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN AND OUR EARTH. TO LEARN MORE VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.ECHOVERMONT.ORG/. THE NONPROFIT IS GOVERNED BY A 15-MEMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHO RETAINS RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFINING ECHO'S OVERALL STRATEGIC DIRECTION, ENSURING THE INSTITUTION REMAINS ON TRACK AND ACHIEVES ITS GOALS. THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ECHO BOARD FALL IN THE AREAS OF FINANCE, FUNDRAISING, STRATEGY, AND POLICY. AS A GENERAL MATTER, BOARD MEMBERS ARE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN ECHO'S DAILY OPERATIONS, AS THESE DUTIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT. BOARD MEMBERS SIT ON ONE OF FOUR COMMITTEES THAT MEET MULTIPLE TIMES ANNUALLY: POLICY & GOVERNANCE, PLANNING & FINANCE, AUDIT & ETHICS, AND STEWARDSHIP. THE ENTIRE BOARD MEETS QUARTERLY WITHIN THE FISCAL YEAR. PRINCIPAL PROGRAMS & ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SUPPORTED BY MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS AND AN INFORMED UNDERSTANDING OF AUDIENCE NEED, ECHO PROVIDES HIGH-IMPACT SCIENCE-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN AND OUTSIDE OUR WALLS. PUBLIC MUSEUM: 170,000 ANNUAL VISITORS INCLUDING 75,000 CHILDREN, 5,500 MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS, 15,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN. ECHO IS DEDICATED TO BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS SO THAT ALL VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE THE MUSEUM. ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY BY CONNECTING THE PUBLIC TO MORE THAN 70 NATIVE SPECIES OF FISH, AMPHIBIANS, AND REPTILES. ECHO EARLY LEARNING: EEL IS ENGAGING THE NEW AMERICAN, REFUGEE, AND UNDER- SERVED POPULATIONS TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR TRANSITION TO FORMAL KINDERGARTEN. THIS FREE, WEEKLY, INFORMAL CARE PROGRAM SUPPORTS PLAY-BASED LEARNING FOR CHILD AND CAREGIVER TOGETHER; READING-READINESS; AND CAREGIVER LEARNING AND RESOURCES TO FOSTER SAFE, SUPPORTIVE, AND ENRICHING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN AT HOME. STATEWIDE STEM OUTREACH: THIS MOBILE PROJECT PROPOSES TO GROW THE CAPACITY OF RURAL VERMONT SCHOOLS THAT LACK SCIENCE SUBJECT SPECIALISTS TO DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY STEM OPPORTUNITIES TO LOW-RESOURCED STUDENTS. THE PROJECT WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS BY MARRYING OUR EXPERTISE IN CONSTRUCTIVIST TEACHING AND SCIENCE CONTENT, MATURING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOLS, AND LEVERAGING NATIONAL MUSEUM-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP MODELS. DURING THE PILOT PROGRAM - ECHO IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING GEOGRAPHIC EQUITY BY PARTNERING WITH ISOLATED, UNDERSERVED, AND LOW-RESOURCE SCHOOLS; SERVING A MINIMUM OF 500 TEACHERS, 3,000+ STUDENTS, AND 3,000+ FAMILY MEMBERS; BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BY STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN LOCAL COMPANIES AND SCHOOLS; AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES BY PROVIDING NETWORKS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH COMMUNITY BUILDING ENGAGEMENTS. TEACHER INSTITUTE: SUPPORTS STEM LEARNING, PROVIDING TEACHERS A CLEAR VISION OF BEST PRACTICES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING ON TIMELY TOPICS INCLUDING TRAUMA-INFORMED TEACHING, DISTANCE LEARNING TOOLS, UNIVERSAL DESIGN & DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY, AND VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES. IN ADDITION TO TRAINING IN EFFECTIVE STEM FACILITATION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, TEACHERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN ONGOING CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING VIA IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT VISITS TO CLASSROOMS AND VIDEOCONFERENCING. VIRTUAL AND IN-SERVICE WORKSHOPS WILL BE UTILIZED THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR TO LIMIT TEACHER TRAVEL TIME. E-TEAM: YEAR-LONG TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM INSPIRES 30+ 9TH-12TH GRADE HIGHLY DIVERSE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP CAREER SKILLS IN LEADERSHIP, GOAL SETTING, SOCIAL JUSTICE, PUBLIC SPEAKING, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION, FINANCIAL LITERACY, AND TEAMWORK. COLLEGE INTERN AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: ANNUALLY, 75 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GAIN CAREER-RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN ANIMAL CARE, SCIENCE EDUCATION, IT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND EVENT MANAGEMENT. RESPONDING TO SOCIAL JUSTICE IS A CORE VALUE: ECHO'S OPEN DOOR PROGRAM: A YEARLY COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM PARTNERING WITH MORE THAN 70+ SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE 33,000+ FREE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ADMISSION RECIPIENTS AND 3,500 COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIPS - STRIVES TO MAKE THE SCIENCE CENTER ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL. CREATED TO SPECIFICALLY BREAK DOWN FINANCIAL, GEOGRAPHIC, AND CULTURAL BARRIERS, ECHO FINDS AFFORDABLE AND EQUITABLE WAYS TO ALLOW ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR SERVICES AND RESOURCES. BY WORKING WITH AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF MORE THAN 70+ SOCIAL SERVICE PARTNERS WE REACH OUT TO LOW-RESOURCED FAMILIES, NEW AMERICANS, AND THE UNDERSERVED RESIDENTS IN THIS AREA, FOCUSING ON EVERYTHING FROM CHILDREN'S SPACES FOR OUR YOUNGEST COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE FAMILIES. IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS PROGRAM THAT MENTOR PAIRS ALL OVER VERMONT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE ECHO AT A DISCOUNTED RATE ANY DAY, NOT JUST ON COMMUNITY SCIENCE NIGHT. EQUITY, EMPOWERMENT, AND INCLUSION WE TAKE OUR ROLE AS A COMMUNITY SCIENCE AND NATURE CENTER SERIOUSLY, AND WE BELIEVE IN OUR PRIORITY OF BEING WELCOMING TO ALL. RECENT STAFF TRAININGS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION, SOCIAL AND RACIAL EQUITY, GENDER AND IDENTITIES, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, AND SUPPORTING GUESTS AND VOLUNTEERS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. WE ARE ALSO PRIORITIZING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR GUESTS WITH SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY EVENT SERIES: ECHO UNDERSTANDS THAT MANY OF OUR EXHIBITS AND PUBLIC SPACES CAN BE OVERWHELMING TO THOSE WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROWDED. UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE BARRIERS THAT FAMILIES WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER FACE IN PUBLIC SPACES, ECHO HAS CREATED SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENTS THAT OPEN EARLY FOR FAMILIES WITH SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO EXPLORE IN A MORE CALM AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. A CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL IS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION AND ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. MASKS ON SUNDAYS EVENT SERIES: ECHO IS SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT ARE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED. MONTHLY, ECHO OPENS FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO FIND A SAFE, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT WITH THEIR PARENTS, SIBLINGS AND OTHER CHILDREN. THIS IS A FREE AND EXCLUSIVE EVENT, DEVELOPED TO SERVE FAMILIES WITH A FAMILY MEMBER WHOSE HEALTH HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO COVID, BY A MEDICAL CONDITION, SPECIALIZED SURGICAL PROCEDURES OR MEDICAL TREATMENTS, THAT OTHERWISE PREVENTS THEM FROM PLAYING TOGETHER IN OUR FACILITY. A CRUCIAL PART OF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL IS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION AND ONGOING TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 3 THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION WAS HELD BY CHARLIE SMITH OF CHARLES P. SMITH MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC CONSULTING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN PERFORMS A DETAILED REVIEW OF A DRAFT OF THE 990 WITH THE PREPARER, AND THEN MAKES A RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT AND MOVE FORWARD WITH FILING. IN ADDITION, THE 990 IS MADE AVAILABLE FOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS TO REVIEW PRIOR TO FILING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS GIVEN TO EACH NEW RESPONSIBLE PERSON AND IS REQUIRED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IN WRITING THAT HE OR SHE HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS POLICY. EACH RESPONSIBLE PERSON MUST ANNUALLY COMPLETE AN INFORMATION FORM REGARDING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THE POLICY SHALL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY AND ANY CHANGES TO THE POLICY MUST BE COMMUNICATED TO ALL RESPONSIBLE PERSONS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE COMPENSATION OF ECHO'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS DEFINED IN A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, INC. AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE COMPENSATION IS NEGOTIATED AND REFLECTS WHAT THE BOARD PERCEIVES IS THE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN A QUALIFIED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN THE BURLINGTON MARKET. ANY BONUS COMPENSATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS GOAL BASED. ANNUAL GOALS ARE MUTUALLY ESTABLISHED AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SUCCESS IN MEETING THESE ANNUAL GOALS IS ASSESSED BY THE BOARD. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEWS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S PERFORMANCE EACH FISCAL YEAR AND DETERMINES WHETHER BONUS COMPENSATION IS APPROPRIATE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B DIRECTORS ARE BROUGHT IN AT AROUND 60,000 WITH A TYPICAL 3% CPI ANUALLY DEPENDING ON CASH FLOW. IF THERE ARE FINANCIAL CONTRAINTS DURING THE YEAR, IN LIEU OF PERMANENT SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, SMALLER BONUSES MAY BE PAID. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 COPIES ARE MADE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES -152,040 INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES 152,040