Friends of the National Center

07/21/2026

Ready to tackle a Spartan or Tough Mudder?

We are giving away FREE race entries to participants who commit to fundraising for us!

How to claim your spot:
1. Complete our quick online registration form
2. Raise $350+ through peer-to-peer fundraising
3. Get your coupon code for a free race entry!

Entries are first-come, first-served, so don't wait to lock in your spot.

👉 Register here today:

07/13/2026

What an incredible night! We had a blast celebrating the 30th anniversary of the National Science Foundation's Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science program (NSF SOARS).

Our Executive Director, Sarah Swanson, was excited to be a part of the celebration and loved having the chance to speak to everyone. It’s truly amazing to see the impact this program has had on the Earth System Science community over the last three decades.

If the NSF SOARS program has touched your life, inspired you, or if you believe in supporting the next generation of scientists, please consider giving back.

👇 You can make a donation today through our website:
https://friendsofthenationalcenter.org/donate-nsf-soars/

06/30/2026

Today is the last day to donate to the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd) through the Give Outdoor Learning Campaign‼️

This campaign only runs through June, so if you'd like to support SciEd, please consider making a donation today: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/UCARSciEd.

Your donation will support outdoor learning and science education programs for learners of all ages.

06/23/2026

What "sparks" a lifelong passion for science? ⚡️ In the latest edition of the Spark newsletter, we are highlighting early career researcher Ren Smith!

Discover what inspired Ren's journey into science and see how funding from our generous donors is helping support the next generation of researchers.

Read Ren’s story: https://mailchi.mp/ucar/spark-ren-smith

06/15/2026

Outdoor learning sparks curiosity, builds connections to nature, and helps bring science to life!

This June, we're proud to support the NSF NCAR & UCAR Science Education (SciEd) through the Give Outdoor Learning Campaign. Through hands-on programs and educational resources, SciEd helps learners of all ages better understand Earth’s interconnected systems and the science that shapes our planet.

If you'd like to support outdoor learning and science education, please consider making a donation: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/UCARSciEd

Thank you for supporting the UCAR Center for Science Education!

06/10/2026

Love running, obstacle races, and supporting a great cause?

Take on a Spartan or Tough Mudder event while fundraising for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research!

Friends of the National Center is offering 25 free race entries for participants who commit to peer-to-peer fundraising.

How to qualify:
1. Complete the online registration form
2. Raise at least $350 through your fundraising efforts
3. Receive a coupon code for a free race entry

Entries are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to sign up early!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gu2s52uT

06/01/2026

This June, we're proud to support the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd) through the Give Outdoor Learning Campaign!

The Give Outdoor Learning Campaign celebrates organizations that help people connect with nature through meaningful outdoor learning experiences during National Get Outdoors Month.

UCAR SciEd brings science to life through hands-on programs, field experiences, teacher resources, and community engagement opportunities that inspire curiosity and deepen our understanding of the planet. By connecting learners of all ages with the natural world, these programs foster a lifelong appreciation for science and the environment.

If you believe in the value of outdoor learning and science education, please consider making a donation to UCAR SciEd this month.

Thank you for supporting the UCAR Center for Science Education!

05/26/2026

The new Friends newsletter has arrived!

Inside this issue:
✨ Updates on advocacy efforts supporting NSF NCAR and UCAR
🔬 Inspiring stories from early-career scientists
🎓 Highlights from the Kasahara Pathways in Science Fund
🏃 New opportunities to support the mission through fundraising and community events

There’s a lot happening across the Friends community, and we’re excited to share it with you!

Read the full newsletter here:

The first few months of 2026 have been a period of unprecedented activity for all of us at UCAR and NSF NCAR. While the environment around federal funding remains complex, I want to reassure you that our focus remains unwavering: preserving our foundational research capabilities and retaining the wo...

05/11/2026

Do you love to run? Join a Spartan or Tough Mudder race and support UCAR through peer-to-peer fundraising!

Friends of the National Center has 25 free race entries available for any Spartan or Tough Mudder event.

Here’s how it works:
- Commit to raising at least $350 through your fundraising efforts
- Complete our online registration form
- Receive a coupon code to register for your race for free

Free entries will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!

Whether you're racing for fun, fitness, or the challenge, this is a great opportunity to support UCAR while taking on an unforgettable event.

Register here: https://forms.gle/6J9mjHFTn15RTBcG9

04/20/2026

We want to extend a big thank you to the volunteers and adaptive athletes who joined us this past Saturday for a beautiful hike behind the NSF NCAR & UCAR Mesa Lab! This event was held in collaboration with The Lockwood Foundation and the University of Colorado Boulder. We had a wonderful time connecting with the broader Boulder community and learning about accessibility in the outdoors. We look forward to doing it again next year!