Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Elementary Institute of Science

EIN 94-1669545 · San Diego, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak45 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) is a premier science enrichment center dedicated to developing STEM skills and interests in order to address the widening gap of under-represented students in science. Through inquiry-based project learning activities, children are able explore, experiment and understand the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Income
$1.3 million
Spending
$1.8 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
-0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 77%
Employees
38
Volunteers
150
Highest pay
$149,049, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 45 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 36% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 26 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (science, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $1.4 million spent. Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) is a premier science enrichment center dedicated to developing STEM skills and interests in order to address the widening gap of under-represented students in science. Through inquiry-based project learning activities, children are able explore, experiment and understand the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). EIS was established in Southeast San Diego in 1964. The founder, Tom Watts, started a hands-on science club in the back of his classroom. He believed science education would provide a strong foundation for the students to continue on to college and to succeed in the rapidly expanding STEM-skilled workforce. The after-school club thrived. EIS became one of the first and finest after-school STEM programs in the United States.The EIS Science and Technology Learning Center is a landmark building which provides the ideal environment for hands-on learning and exploration. The 15,000-square foot facility includes five science labs, two IT labs, a photography lab, lecture theatre and conference room. EIS provides on-going, progressive STEM programs that continue to challenge and engage students from the age of 7 through high school graduation in a specialized laboratory setting. All subjects include a hands-on learning component. Classes have a maximum ratio of 10 students to one instructor. The programs encompass 18 different subjects with continuously improved curriculum and topical themes. EIS programs utilize community resources and collaborations. Programs are offered both after-school and on Saturdays, in addition to a popular Summer Science Camp. EIS approach is designed to produce long-term learning gains and sustain interest in STEM learning through stepped levels. Program activities include field trips, presentations and career exploration.Over 10,000 students from all over San Diego County have attended the Elementary Institute of Science. Many EIS students have gone on to attend the finest universities in the United States and have become doctors, scientists and other STEM professionals.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 1969.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.