WCCUSD Programs

Headwaters partners with West Contra Costa Unified School District to offer free, hands-on summer science camps for local TK–6th grade students. The WCCUSD admits and registers students based on priority enrollment for these families: McKinney-Vento (housing instability), foster youth, students eligible for free/reduced meals, English learners and newcomers.

Expanded Learning:

Our semester-long Expanded Learning Program gives students the opportunity to explore science through hands-on investigations, creative STEAM activities, and an original research project. Throughout the program, students work alongside Headwaters mentors who guide them in thinking and working like scientists.

Students begin by exploring a variety of science topics through hands-on activities that build skills in observation, questioning, data collection, and problem-solving. As their interests develop, they design and conduct their own research project—developing a question, collecting and analyzing data, and sharing their findings.

By combining Student-Driven Research, hands-on science, STEAM activities, and mentorship, the program builds curiosity, confidence, and real-world scientific skills while giving students ownership of their learning.

Saturday STEM Days:

Our Saturday STEM Days give students a full day of hands-on science and outdoor exploration. Students engage in fun STEM activities and science investigations while working alongside Headwaters mentors and other students.

Each day combines hands-on STEM learning, creativity, problem-solving, and outdoor activities, giving students the opportunity to explore science in an engaging, active environment. Students build new skills, try new things, and discover how science connects to the world around them, all while having fun outside the classroom.

Spring Break Camp:

Our week-long Spring Break Camp gives students the opportunity to dive into science through hands-on investigations, engaging STEAM activities, and outdoor exploration. Students work alongside Headwaters mentors to investigate the natural world, solve problems, and build real-world science skills.

Throughout the week, students participate in hands-on experiments, creative projects, and outdoor activities that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. Each day brings new opportunities to explore, ask questions, and experience science beyond the classroom.

By combining hands-on science, STEAM activities, outdoor exploration, and mentorship, Spring Break Camp gives students an exciting week of learning, discovery, and fun.

Summer Camp

Our Summer Science Camps give students five weeks of hands-on science, outdoor exploration, and STEAM learning, with a different theme each week. Students work alongside Headwaters mentors to investigate science through engaging activities, experiments, and real-world exploration.

Each week, students dive into a new topic, building skills in observation, questioning, problem-solving, and scientific thinking while spending time outdoors and learning with their peers. From exploring ecosystems to investigating the world around them, every week offers new opportunities to ask questions, try something new, and discover the excitement of science.

By combining hands-on science, STEAM activities, outdoor exploration, and mentorship, Summer Science Camp gives students an engaging and memorable way to learn, explore, and have fun all summer long.