2025-02-17T13:51:53-07:00 2024-12-31 990 2024-01-01 850979344 DISCOVERY PATHWAYS DISC 2152193007 1211 Fitzgerald Street Philadelphia PA 19148 Adam Forbes Executive Director 2152193007 2025-02-12 1 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z Adam Forbes 1211 Fitzgerald Street Philadelphia PA 19148 290379 0 X https://www.discoverypathways.org/ X 2019 PA Our mission is to uplift the well-being of the community through experiential nature-based programs. By providing hands-on environmental education to urban youth and adults, we empower leaders and cultivate a connection to the natural world and local watershed. We work tirelessly to ensure underserved communities can pursue meaningful outdoor experiences and improve their health. 5 5 2 57 0 0 204018 290379 10365 0 0 0 0 0 214383 290379 425 20068 0 0 19726 115098 0 0 742 119690 139748 139841 274914 74542 15465 181302 196767 0 0 181302 196767 X Our mission is to uplift the well-being of the community through experiential nature-based programs. By providing hands-on environmental education to urban youth and adults, we empower leaders and cultivate a connection to the natural world and local watershed. We work tirelessly to ensure underserved communities can pursue meaningful outdoor experiences. 1 0 99618 0 0 Environmental Education - In 2024, Free Community Boating and Fishing were our largest programs. We taught 12,011 people in educational and recreational boating events. 8,562 attended Free Community Boating days, while the rest attended targeted events for underserved groups, educational tours, and cultural events. 2,128 children attended educational visits from 23 schools and 15 Rec Centers. 2,719 people attended Free Family Fishing fishing events and learned the basics of fishing, safety, water quality, and fish identification. Environmental education programs also included nature walks, birding, native plants, and more. Most programs are led by youth. but increased staff in 2024 allowed us to grow programs year round. All programs were free of charge for community members. Outreach is performed in 7+ languages to reach underserved communities. Free fishing rods, supplies, PFD's, binoculars, and gear are provided for all events. Our partnership with Riverways and PA State Parks was deepened as students learned water testing and interactive science on trips in the city and beyond. We completed 18 weeks of scientific water testing and taught students. 40504 0 0 Community Health - Discovery Pathways organized 3 large community health fairs and a Southeast Asian Water Festival. Over 7,347 people attended these events. Events included healthy food, movement, games, dance, cooking, free seeds, gardening lessons, and health resources. Partners at these events included Greener Partners, Vetri Community, Spinco, Jefferson Refugee Health Partners, and more. We distributed over 11,000 pounds of free produce and related cooking recipes. DP also connected families to free food at local pantries and kitchens. All our programs are culturally relevant and we work to translate outreach and materials. Throughout the year, we distributed 2950 healthy meals to youth and families. We held 3 larger educational health events for the community that featured free food, health materials, exercise instruction, and more. We organized and led a series of cooking classes and healthy eating programs in multiple languages. Many of our students experience barriers to accessing healthy food. We've made it part of our mission to ensure that our students are fed every day of our program. In addition to the meals we also provided many more snacks throughout our programs. New food partnerships with Sharing Excess, Double Trellis, and Phila Parks and Recreation helped us provide more. 92069 0 0 Youth Empowerment Program: 31 students completed all components of a Environmental Education and Empowerment Program. Students were trained in Work Ready skills. 100% earned badges in kayak instruction, water testing science, public speaking, and environmental stewardship. Students learned communication skills, teamwork, watershed science and history, birding, species identification, fishing and advocacy as they worked collaboratively over 9 intensive summer weeks. Students implemented passion projects that included murals, raps, and videos. Programs continued through the fall. New youth became quickly empowered as leaders and taught boating, fishing, safety in nature, and more. 197 students applied for our summer program and 185 attended at least one meeting and event. Students completed scientific Ecoli and bacteria water testing for 18 weeks. We led 13 trips outside of South Philly with our youth program. These include rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and team building. 3 new educational signs were installed in FDR Park by youth. Summer culminated in a 4-day camping trip with 27 youth and youth leaders. A new second camping trip was added for 20 students who didn't get into our full program. 9 graduating seniors received extensive support applying to college and 7 received full ride scholarships. Programs and student support have been extended to year-round in 2024. 12435 0 0 Youth Dragon Boat Team and Health Program - In 2024 we finally launched our youth Dragon Boat Racing Team. 57 youth came to practices, with a core group of 38 youth regularly attending. We break down all barriers to access, providing everything free including clothes, equipment, race entry, and more. Land workouts began in March and continued through December. All students were new to this cultural sport and 90% were new to any exercise programs. The youth exceeded all expectations and won the regional Youth Cup, 2 gold medals, and a silver medal. Practices increased to 4 times a week for much of the summer and fall. In addition to practices at FDR Park and the Schuylkill River, exercise continued in local parks and Rec Centers. 5 students were even invited to try out for Team USA. No students are cut based on physical skills, and instead we prioritize dedication and commitment to the team. 12435 0 0 244626 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 24 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 PA X X Adam Forbes 2152193007 1211 Fitzgerald Street Philadelphia PA 19148 Adam Forbes Executive Director 45 X 72021 0 0 Alden Towler Board President 2 0 X X 0 0 0 Will Conly - Dwyer Treasurer 2 0 X X 0 0 0 Naw Doh Vice President 2 0 X X 0 0 0 Kline Swonger Secretary 1 0 X X 0 0 0 Soriya Or Board Director 2 0 X X 0 0 0 Jo-ann Howard Board Member 2 0 X X 0 0 0 72021 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20000 270379 17750 290379 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 290379 0 0 0 0 0 20068 20068 0 0 0 0 72021 61884 9687 450 0 0 0 0 32253 32253 0 0 0 0 0 0 1183 0 1183 0 9641 0 9641 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26663 26663 0 0 1958 858 968 132 2283 877 1246 160 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1367 440 927 0 3700 3700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5894 0 5894 0 Dragon Boat Team and Races 7182 7182 0 0 Student Costs 31910 31910 0 0 Youth Program Supplies, Trips, and Public Boating and Fishing 47029 47029 0 0 Community Educational and Health Event Supplies 11762 11762 0 0 0 274914 244626 29546 742 181302 196767 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 181302 196767 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 181302 196767 0 0 181302 196767 181302 196767 15465 0 0 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 24475 132239 204018 290379 651111 0 7682 10365 0 18047 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24475 139921 214383 290379 669158 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 669158 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24475 139921 214383 290379 669158 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1 Student College Scholarships - Funded by an anonymous donor. Direct College Fees 7 20067 0 Schedule I, Part I, Line 2 We closely and constantly monitor the use of scholarship funds. DP works directly with the students and institutions to ensure scholarship funds are being used for direct college costs. Educational Stipends are monitored and approved, on an on-going basis, by Leadership staff and Board of Directors. All educational stipends are fully documented. Form 990, Part III, Line 2 Youth Dragon Boat Team and Health Program - In 2024 we finally launched our youth Dragon Boat Racing Team. 57 youth came to practices, with a core group of 38 youth regularly attending. We break down all barriers to access, providing everything free including clothes, equipment, race entry, and more. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11b The 990 is developed with our Board Members and leadership team. The details and financials are reviewed with an accountant and all members of the team. An online service is used to E-File, but all materials are reviewed before entering and submitting. Final submission is also reviewed by the team. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12c The Board of Directors regularly reviews any conflict of interest to ensure compliance and a clear, high level of standard is maintained. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15 Discovery Pathways currently has 1 paid Management Staff. He serves as Executive Director and Education Director. In 2024, this position moved to full time based on grant funding secured. The compensation was determined by the Board of Directors through an extensive review process. To determine pay for any positions, Discovery pathways reviews compensation for similar positions and comparable organizations. A draft pay range is submitted to the Board of Directors. After review and approval, this is used for job postings and determination of compensation. Compensation is written into grants and only funded based on approval of those grants. We utilize compatibility data, and an extensive substantiation process. A review in 2024, showed that we are not meeting the comparable and reasonable benefit needs of the Executive Director and other staff. We will continue to fundraise to meet compensation and benefit needs. Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19 Governing Documents, Conflict of Interest Policy, and financial statements are developed and retained by the Board of Directors. Copies of all documents are available on request. Notifications and contact information are provided on our website. New volunteers, board members, and staff are regularly provided with access to any relevant organization documentation.