Science Education

As diseases continue to threaten our loved ones, the United States produces fewer high school graduates prepared for and choosing careers in science. Van Andel Education Institute offers several programs to inspire students to pursue careers in science and give them the tools to do so.

The Science Academy not only teaches students science through engaging and hands-on techniques, but also provides professional development to teachers to sustain that initial spark in the classroom. Science On Saturday is a one-day program that provides students and an important adult in their lives with a condensed Science Academy experience.

Van Andel Institute Graduate School offers Ph.D. programs for careers in biomedical disease research and a unique hands-on curriculum that allows students to pursue current research questions in the laboratory alongside professionals in their field.

Ready to Make a Gift to Promote and Improve Science Education Among Students?

There are several types of gifts to choose from. You can also check with your employer to see if they will match your gift.

• General Gift - make a gift for a specific amount right now, either online, over the phone, or via fax or mail (make a general gift online; download printable form)
• Memorial Gift - make a gift in memory of someone special to you that has passed away; if you choose, a special card can be sent to the family of the honored individual letting them know of your gift (make a memorial gift online; download printable form)
• Tribute Gift - give a gift to VAI to celebrate births and birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, weddings, and other special occasions; a special card can be sent to the honored individual(s) to let them know of your gift (make a tribute gift online; download printable form)
• Gifts of Securities / Stock - eliminates capital gains tax and allows you to claim an income-tax deduction on the market value of the stock on the date of ownership transfer
• Planned Giving - help build a legacy without affecting your cash flow today; gifts can include bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable lead trusts, IRA's or other retirement plan assets, and life insurance (more information)

Please call 616-234-5681 to discuss any of these options.