Impact Reports

NCSE's recent impacts in science classrooms, at statehouses, and in the media.

2026
Mid-Year Progress Report

In early 2026, we fought attempts to misinform students, launched a new program, provided resources to thousands of science teachers, and offered insights to media outlets. 

View letter from Amanda L. Townley, President & CEO

Impact Highlights

Catalyzing Action

  • Worked with local activists in Arizona to rally opposition to a bill that would have required the teaching of "intelligent design" in the state's public schools.
  • Worked with local activists in Oklahoma to organize resistance to two bills aimed at undermining the teaching of evolution. 

Science Education Outreach

  • Provided professional learning opportunities to 413 educators, sharing NCSE’s approach to teaching accurate science, and provided NCSE-created and teacher-vetted classroom resources through 12 workshops, conferences, and events. We also shared those free resources with hundreds of teachers through our website. 
  • Held our third My COAST (Climate-Oriented Authentic Science Teaching) event in Galveston, Texas. Thirty-two science teachers immersed themselves for four days in hands-on activities that demonstrated the impact of climate change on the Texas coast, acquiring knowledge and practices that will enrich their students’ learning experiences.
  • Developed new activities for our DataWISE media and data literacy tool on topics such as environmental impacts of AI and claims about cancer.

Bridging Gaps

We’re excited to have added this fourth program area, which fosters strategic partnerships to enhance science literacy and education.

  • Created a new project called Rebuilding Scientific Trust (ReSeT), collaborating with experts in the fields of science, education, policy, and philosophy to refocus work on the Nature of Science, targeting misconceptions used to challenge sound science.  The ReSet project launched in May with a convening that built a framework that will guide change to science teaching across all levels. 
  • Added a second cohort of six Sound Science Fellows who began working with the inaugural seven. The fellows are researching and redefining best practices to engage students in K-12 science education and build trust in science.
 

Investigating Science Education and Informing the Public

In a time of political turmoil and continued attacks on science, one of the most positive things we can do is make sure young people learn how to identify scientific misinformation. You are making that possible in classrooms across the country.

For those of you who joined our revitalized membership program this year thank you for becoming a part of the growing community of science advocates. We have a lot in store for you, including member webinars, spotlights on members, and discounts on NCSE merch.

In the first half of 2026, we fought off attempts to misinform students about evolution, offered our free online resources to thousands of science teachers, launched a new program area to proactively impact science education, and offered our insights on the state of science education to journalists across the country. We are fighting back in new ways and stronger than ever! We are so happy you are with us in that fight.

With great appreciation,

Amanda L. Townley
President and CEO